You Ask the Questions

What color indicates a star with a higher surface temperature?

• Yellow

• Blue

• Blue-White

• Red

Answer explanation

In stars, color indicates temperature. Blue stars are the hottest, followed by blue-white, white, and then red, which is the coolest. Therefore, blue is the correct answer as it represents the highest temperature in stars.

How do stars in a binary star system interact with each other?

• They are gravitationally bound and orbit a common center of mass

• They collide and form a single larger star

• They share a single orbit around a planet

• One star consumes the other, leading to a supernova

Answer explanation

A binary star system consists of a pair of stars that are gravitationally bound to each other, meaning they orbit a common center of mass. This distinguishes it from other scenarios like merging stars or shared solar systems.

Are all stars equally bright? If not, which color of star is typically the brightest?

• Yes, all stars have the same brightness regardless of their color

• No, stars have different brightness levels and blue stars are usually the brightest

• No, stars have different brightness levels and red stars are usually the brightest

• No, stars have different brightness levels and yellow stars are usually the brightest

Answer explanation

No, stars are not equally bright; they vary in brightness. Blue stars are typically the brightest due to their high temperatures and energy output, making them more luminous than red or yellow stars.

What is the definition of apparent magnitude?

• The observed brightness of a celestial object from Earth

• The intrinsic brightness of a celestial object at a standard distance

Answer explanation

Apparent magnitude measures how bright a celestial object appears from Earth, making the first answer choice correct. The second choice refers to absolute magnitude, which is the intrinsic brightness at a standard distance.

Can stars have orbital paths? If so, what do they typically orbit around?

• Yes, stars can have orbital paths; they typically orbit the center of their galaxy or the center of mass in a binary or multiple star system.

• No, stars remain stationary and do not have any orbital paths.

• Yes, all stars orbit around a central point in the universe.

• No, stars only move in straight lines and do not orbit anything.