Observing the Stars

In comparison to other stars in the sky, the sun appears brighter because it is–

• hotter.

• larger.

• older.

• closer.

Based on the information provided, which star will appear the brightest to observers on Earth?

• A.

• B.

• C.

• D.

The star that is closest to Earth will appear the (a)   to observers.

• brightest

• closest

• faintest

• largest

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

One of the closest stars to Earth is Alpha Centauri A. It is larger than the sun, yet it appears much less bright. Which of the following is the best explanation for this?

• The smaller a star is, the more concentrated its energy is, so it appears brighter.

• The difference in brightness is due to the difference in relative distance.

• Dust in the earth’s atmosphere absorbs the light of all the stars we see.

• As stars get older, the amount of light they give off decreases.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.8

CCSS.RI.5.8

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.6.1

The brightness of a star depends on its ​ ​ (a)  

• age

• color
• size
• distance

How many of the stars, visible in the night sky, are closer to Earth than the sun?

• All of them

• None of them

• About half

• Only one

Which of the following observations would provide evidence to support the explanation for why some stars that are larger than the sun appear to be less bright?

• A. A large campfire seen at a distance of 1 kilometer is not as bright as a candle that is 50 centimeters away.

• B. A 100-watt light bulb is much brighter than a 25-watt bulb, even if both bulbs are exactly the same size.

• C. Most stars are not visible during the day because the brightness of the sun is much greater.

• D. A flashlight appears dimmer if it is covered with different colored lenses that change the color of the light it gives off.

What are the forms of energy that the sun provides to Earth?

• Light and heat energy

• Heat and Sound

• Light and Sound

• Electricity and Light

We know our Sun is a star. Why do we see other stars as only tiny specks in the sky?

• We see other stars as tiny specks because they are extremely far away, making their light appear dimmer and smaller compared to the Sun.
• Stars are actually just reflections of the Sun's light.
• We only see stars during the day.
• Other stars are much larger than the Sun.

What characteristic affects how bright a star appears to us?

• Intrinsic luminosity and age of a star

• Size of the star's orbit
• A star's distance from Earth

• Color and temperature of the star