Stars & Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of light emitted from stars and whether it has a uniform electromagnetic spectrum. Participants explore the variability in stellar light based on factors such as temperature, composition, and lifecycle stages of stars.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that stars emit a black-body spectrum that is temperature dependent, referencing Planck's law.
  • Others note that even stars with the same temperature can exhibit different absorption and emission lines due to variations in their composition.
  • A participant highlights that star light includes absorption and emission lines within its continuous spectrum, referencing Fraunhofer lines.
  • Another participant mentions the diversity of star colors, indicating that the spectrum is influenced by the star's mass and its lifecycle stage, which affects surface temperature and energy production.
  • There is a focus on the continuous spectrum of stars, with one participant specifying that their comments pertain only to this aspect.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as multiple competing views regarding the nature of stellar light and its spectrum remain evident throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on definitions of terms like "electromagnetic spectrum" and the unresolved implications of varying stellar compositions and lifecycle stages on the spectrum.

Vphysics2013
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Hi
Is the light from other stars has the same electromagnetic spectrum ?
 
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Vphysics2013 said:
Hi
Is the light from other stars has the same electromagnetic spectrum ?
No, stars emit a black-body spectrum according to Planck's law, which is temperature dependent. Even then, two stars that are the same temperature can have different absorption and emission lines depending upon the composition as Doug mentioned below.
 
Vphysics2013 said:
Hi Is the light from other stars has the same electromagnetic spectrum ?
Same as what other star? Star light exhibits absorption and emission lines in its continuous spectrum. See Fraunhofer.
 
You can get all sorts of 'colours' of stars, varying from dull red to very blue-white. The spectrum will depend upon the mass of the star and where it happens to be in if life cycle - its surface temperature will depend upon the rate of energy production and its surface area at the time.
I only refer to the continuous spectrum here, of course.
 

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