The surface temperature of a nearby star can BEST be determined from spectral classification by examining the
A) pattern of spectral absorption lines from various atoms.
B) relative intensities of light measured through different photometric filters.
C) peak wavelength of the star's continuous blackbody spectrum.
D) pattern of emission lines that are on the star's spectrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pattern of spectral absorption lines from various atoms can be used to determine the surface temperature of a nearby star. The hotter the star, the more ionized its atoms will be, and the fewer absorption lines will be present in its spectrum.

The Surface Temperature of a Nearby Star Can BEST Be