Download Classifying the Stars

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Classifying the Stars
Brightness
Stars give off different
amounts of light depending
on their size and
temperature.
Characteristics of Stars
Surface Temperature
The coolest stars have
temperatures of 3,000°C. The
hottest stars have temperatures of
up to 50,000°C.
Color
The color of a star is determined
by its temperature. Cooler stars
are red and the hottest stars are
blue.
DULL
Mid-RANGE
BRIGHT
Instructions:
1. Test your knowledge of stars by completing the data table on the next page. You will use the
H-R Diagram to find the types, temperatures, brightness, and colors of the stars.
Name
Type of Star
Temp. °C
(Approximate)
Color
Brightness
Polaris
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Rigel
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Sirius A
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Sirius B
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Sun
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Alpha Centauri A
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Alpha Centauri B
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Aldebaran
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Algol
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Betelgeuse
Dull
Mid-Range
Bright
Answer the following questions. You may use the information on page 290 in your science book
to help you.
1. What does the term luminosity mean?
2. Where on the H-R Diagram do stars spend the majority of their life?
3. What is the name of the hottest and brightest supergiant star on the H-R Diagram on this handout?
4. In the Main Sequence stars, what is the relationship between brightness and temperature?
5. Give the name of one star that is hot and not very bright according to the H-R Diagram on this
handout.