Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
Horizons: Exploring the Universe (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN: 9781305960961
Author: Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 9, Problem 1RQ
To determine

Why distant stars look redder than they are?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Explanation of Solution

Gas and dust particle block wavelength of light that are shorter than the particle`s diameter. Longer wavelengths of light are redder and shorter wavelengths of light are bluer. The interstellar medium between the stars in a galaxy is filled with gas and dust.

So, distant stars in the Milky Way appear redder than they are because the short wavelengths of light are blocked and scattered by interstellar gas and dust.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Stars and Galaxies (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399944
Author:Michael A. Seeds
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Foundations of Astronomy (MindTap Course List)
Physics
ISBN:9781337399920
Author:Michael A. Seeds, Dana Backman
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
The Solar System
Physics
ISBN:9781337672252
Author:The Solar System
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
An Introduction to Physical Science
Physics
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:Cengage Learning