Variable Stars
Students will construct a light curve by making repeated observations of a star. They will learn that stars undergo brightness changes due to many different mechanisms, and that light curves can be used to understand what’s happening inside, or nearby, a star.
Teacher Guide
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Extensions
Supernovae
Students will use supernova light curves to determine types of supernovae and progenitor stars, and to determine the distance to the host galaxy in which they reside.
Teacher GuideStandard Candle Stars
Students will use Cepheid variable stars as standard candles to determine the period-luminosity relationship and measure distances to nearby galaxies.
Teacher Guide