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1. Name the elements present in each star: (Every Star Contains Hydrogen with the exception of Star 7)
Star 1 –
Star 2 –
Star 3 –
Star 4 –
Star 5 –
Star 6 –
Star 7 –
Star 8 –
2. Which star(s) is/are moving away from Earth? How do you know?
3. Which star(s) is/are moving toward Earth? How do you know?
4. Which star is moving the fastest?
5. From your answer above, how do you know?
The dark lines in a stars spectrum are caused by the elements in the stars atmosphere absorbing certain
wavelengths of light: The thicker the atmosphere, the greater the absorption at certain wavelengths.
6. Which star has a thick Hydrogen atmosphere and how can you tell?
7. Which star has a thick Carbon atmosphere and how can you tell?
8. Explain how astronomers determine what elements are present in a star.
9. Explain how astronomers determine if a star is moving toward Earth vs moving away.
10. Explain how astronomers determine how fast a star is moving.
11. Explain how astronomers are able to determine how thick a stars atmosphere is.
12. What else can astronomers determine about stars? How do you think they do it?