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?
How Do Astronauts Use Trigonometry?
What Are the Elements of Uranus?
What Are the Parts of a Sextant?
How Can Astronomers Tell What a Distant Object's Temperature...
How to Convert Lux to Candela
How to Use the Bushnell Telescope 78-9512
How to Use a Vivitar Telescope
How to Use a Meade Telescope
How to Calculate Tangential Speed
How to Make a 3D Solar System
How to Calculate the Area of a Pipe
Test Your Knowledge on Middle School Science
How to Make a Simple Circuit
What Is the Sun's Role in Photosynthesis?
How to Calculate Volume of a Circular Cylinder
How to Calculate a Circular Area
How to Use a Protractor to Measure a Triangle
What Is the Difference Between Yards & Feet?
How to Calculate Volume of a Rectangular Prism

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!