When stars burn their fuel, the gasses they're fusing get really excited. Think of a young puppy discovering a beetle. When a gas is excited, it's electron start jumping energy levels and when they do this, they emit color. Nicely, a lot of gasses emit colors in the visible spectrum of light, which we can see.
Scientist then use a spectroscope (read more about it at wiki) to separate the colors into their individual frequencies, or wavelengths.
Like this:
Each gas emits light at specific frequencies and astronomers can then use this information to identify what gasses a star is burning. This will help them determine where in the star's life cycle it currently is.
Make sure to review the Universe and Star Life cycle notes. They're available on older posts here on the board. Don't be afraid to ask a question in the comments section.
We had homework. Here it is if you didn't get it: Star Life Cycle Worksheet that is homework.
Tomorrow, you're going to presented with three unknown gasses and it will be your job to find out what they are, based off the emission lines you already drew.
Until tomorrow,
-
Monegan
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