The figure shows a color image of Betelgeuse, a red giant star. Which of the surface temperatures below best matches Betelgeuse's surface temperature? Hint: Our sun at 6000 K is yellow.
A) 64,000 K
B) 32,000 K
C) 16,000 K
D) 8000 K
E) 2000 K

Question

The figure shows a color image of Betelgeuse, a red giant star. Which of the surface temperatures below best matches Betelgeuse's surface temperature? Hint: Our sun at 6000 K is yellow. 
A) 64,000 K 
B) 32,000 K 
C) 16,000 K 
D) 8000 K 
E) 2000 K

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Betelgeuse is a red giant star, which means it has a lower surface temperature than our sun which is yellow. Red giants can have surface temperatures as low as 2000 K, so choice E is the best match. Choices A, B, C, and D are all much hotter than Betelgeuse.

The Figure Shows a Color Image of Betelgeuse, a Red