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Jewel Box Part 1

This document provides instructions for students to collect data on 10 stars in the Jewel Box Cluster. Students are to use a magnitude "gauge" to determine the apparent magnitude and estimated spectral class for each star. They will then use this data along with absolute magnitudes and a nomogram to calculate the distance to each star. Notes provide guidance, such as assuming the brightest stars are giants or supergiants, and to try different luminosity classes if the distance is an outlier. Students will record the data in a table and calculate the average distance to the cluster.

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43 views

Jewel Box Part 1

This document provides instructions for students to collect data on 10 stars in the Jewel Box Cluster. Students are to use a magnitude "gauge" to determine the apparent magnitude and estimated spectral class for each star. They will then use this data along with absolute magnitudes and a nomogram to calculate the distance to each star. Notes provide guidance, such as assuming the brightest stars are giants or supergiants, and to try different luminosity classes if the distance is an outlier. Students will record the data in a table and calculate the average distance to the cluster.

Uploaded by

bob
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Astronomy

Jewel Box Cluster, Part 1


The Colors of Stars Name __________________________________

Directions: Use the magnitude "gauge" to find the apparent magnitude, V, and the estimated spectral class (O
through M) for TEN (10) stars on your color plate. Enter this data on the student data table.

On your black and white image circle, and label (1 through 10), the stars for which you have collected data. Star
"0" is done for you.

Once you have the apparent magnitude, V, for a star, use your nomogram and the absolute magnitudes, M,
given on your black and white gauge to estimate the distance to each star.

Note 1: Make sure to do a variety of magnitudes and spectral types!

Note 2: Since the stars are in the cluster (and thus the same distance from Earth) you can assume the brightest
stars MUST be more luminous and thus are giants (III) or super giants (I).

Note 3: If a star’s distance is an distance outlier (>10,000 light-years or <1,000 light-years), then use a different
absolute magnitude to find its distance. For example, if you use absolute magnitude M for a giant (I) and the
distance is less than 1,000 light-years, then try usings the M for a super-giant (III)

If the star STILL doesn't fall within the accepted range, then it most likely is NOT a member of the cluster. Place
and 'x' in the “non-member” column and do NOT include it in your average distance value.

Star Apparent Spectral Class Absolute Luminosity Distance Non-


# Magnitude, V Magnitude, M Class (light-years) member
0 13 A +1 I 9,000
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Average Distance (to 2 significant figures)


Instructor Use Only

Accepted Value _____________

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