In: Physics
1. The first set of data you receive is a spectrum of a main sequence star taken with the MacDonald Spectrometer onboard HST. Based on the fact that the star’s spectrum has strong Hydrgen absorption lines and many molecular absorption lines, what spectral type do you believe this star to be? Explain.
2. Based on this star’s spectral type, explain the evolutionary stages that it will go through after it completes the main sequence phase of its life. How will this star’s life end?
3. HST is also equipped with the Williams Planetary Camera, which searches for planets around stars as their spectrum is being measured. Around this particular star, the camera detected three planets orbiting 1.1, 2.9, and 6.9 AU from the star. Their orbital periods are calculated to be 2.0, 3.3, and 5.1 years respectively. Are these measurements qualitatively consistent with the general trend predicted by Kepler’s Laws? Why or why not?