Persistent features of astronomical bodies

  • I
  • Thread starter MrG99
  • Start date
  • Tags
    bodies
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of stars having a constant or identifiable signature throughout their lifetime, such as their position in the sky or the abundance of certain elements. The concept of chemical tagging is also mentioned as a way to accurately measure the unique fingerprint of each star.
  • #1
MrG99
1
0
TL;DR Summary
Curious if there are measurable qualities of a star which remain constant during its lifetime.
Hi there! I was curious if some stars, or any other large astronomical bodies, have some kind of signature which would remain constant/identifiable between phases of their lifetime (e.g., something that would identify star 'A' whether it was a low mass star or a red giant, or later on in a white dwarf phase).
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
How about position in the sky as a starting clue?

It sounds like a question for a SF story. Is that the case?
 
  • #3
The metals. Particularly the ratios between the r-process metals.
 
  • Like
Likes Klystron and sophiecentaur
  • #4
As @stefan r said, there is a technique called chemical tagging, which alllows accurate measurements of the abundance of many elements in the star. Ideally, this gives each star a unique "fingerprint".
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes Klystron and sophiecentaur

What are persistent features of astronomical bodies?

Persistent features of astronomical bodies refer to characteristics or structures that remain relatively unchanged over long periods of time, such as craters, mountains, and valleys on planets and moons.

What causes these persistent features to form?

Persistent features on astronomical bodies are primarily formed by geological processes, such as impacts from meteorites, volcanic activity, and erosion.

How do scientists study and analyze these persistent features?

Scientists use various tools and techniques, such as telescopes, satellites, and rovers, to study and analyze persistent features on astronomical bodies. They also use data and images collected from these tools to create models and simulations to better understand these features.

What can we learn from studying persistent features on astronomical bodies?

Studying persistent features on astronomical bodies can provide insight into the history and evolution of these bodies, as well as the geological processes that have shaped them. It can also help us understand the potential for life on other planets and moons.

Are persistent features on astronomical bodies always the same?

No, persistent features on astronomical bodies can change over time due to ongoing geological processes, such as erosion and tectonic activity. However, these changes may occur over long periods of time and may not be easily observable in our lifetime.

Similar threads

B Evolution of planetary system around a white dwarf
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
974
I Nuclear reactions in the Sun and other topics on stars
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
49
Views
2K
I Exploring Life & Technology In A Red Giant Sun's Sphere
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
20
Views
2K
I What are the possible states of cold iron balls?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Sholz's star entered the Oort cloud ~70kya
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
2K
I How Big of an Object Orbiting Closer to the Sun Than Earth Could Be Overlooked?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
17
Views
2K
Are researchers really this interested in 'Planet 9'
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
6
Views
2K
Is my fictional Solar System stable and realistic?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
1K
I Are Red Dwarfs Home to Earth-Sized Water Worlds?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
23
Views
4K
Help requested on long-term habitable-zone stars
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
19
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top