What are the different types of stellar spectra and what do they signify?

There are four types of stellar spectra: continuous, absorption, emission, and absorption and emission.

Continuous spectra are produced by hot, dense objects like stars, and show a smooth, unbroken range of colours. Absorption spectra are created when light from a continuous source passes through a cooler gas, which absorbs certain wavelengths of light, creating dark lines in the spectrum. These lines are unique to each element, allowing scientists to analyse the composition of stars.

Emission spectra are produced when atoms in a gas are excited and emit light at specific wavelengths, creating bright lines in the spectrum. This type of spectrum is often seen in nebulae and other hot, ionised gases. Absorption and emission spectra are a combination of the two, showing both dark and bright lines.

Stellar spectra provide important information about the temperature, composition, and motion of stars. By analysing the spectra, scientists can determine the chemical makeup of stars, their surface temperatures, and whether they are moving towards or away from us. This information is crucial for understanding the evolution and behaviour of stars, as well as the formation and structure of galaxies.

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