What Astronomical Instrument Measures The Brightness Of Stars?

Astronomy is the study of stars, planets and space. Numerous astronomical instruments are used to study celestial bodies, but the most common is the telescope. Sometimes it is necessary to attach other pieces of equipment to telescopes to analyze the light coming from stars and other celestial bodies.

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Photometer

The photometer, which was invented by 19th-century British astronomer John Frederick William Herschel, is an instrument used to measure and quantify the amount of light that emanates from a celestial body. The measured brightness allows astronomers to calculate a number of important parameters, including the temperature of a star's surface, the distance of a star or the age of a star.

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Cite This Article

MLA

Markings, Samuel. "What Astronomical Instrument Measures The Brightness Of Stars?" sciencing.com, https://www.sciencing.com/astronomical-instrument-measures-brightness-stars-16357/. 24 April 2017.

APA

Markings, Samuel. (2017, April 24). What Astronomical Instrument Measures The Brightness Of Stars?. sciencing.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/astronomical-instrument-measures-brightness-stars-16357/

Chicago

Markings, Samuel. What Astronomical Instrument Measures The Brightness Of Stars? last modified August 30, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/astronomical-instrument-measures-brightness-stars-16357/

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