What Astronomical Instrument Measures the Brightness of Stars?

The brightness of stars can be measured using a photometer.
••• Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

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.

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.

Related Articles

What Are the Parts of a Sextant?
Advantages & Disadvantages of a UV-VIS Spectrometer
Instruments Used to Study Stars
What Do Stars Look Like?
Characteristics of a Star
How to Convert Lux to Candela
How to Use a Vivitar Telescope
What Are the Elements of Uranus?
How to Convert Nanometers to Joules
How to Use the Bushnell Telescope 78-9512
What Are the Parts of a Sextant?
Test Your Knowledge on Middle School Science
What Is the Sun's Role in Photosynthesis?
How to Make a 3D Solar System
How Does Telescope Size Affect Resolving Power?
Distances of the Planets From the Sun in Light Years
How to Calculate the Diameter of a Circle From a Linear...
How to Calculate Volume of a Rectangular Prism
How to Calculate Volume of a Circular Cylinder
How to Use a Meade Telescope

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!