Black Body Radiation

How can astronomers know the temperature of a star, or even the Sun, if it is so far away? Astronomers use what is called black body curves to measure the temperature of such faraway objects. The temperature of an object can reveal an understanding of the key elements in the light that humans on Earth receive from stars, including the Sun. Astronomers and physicists try to understand this relationship to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

Essential Questions

• What is the nature of light?
• What is a black body?
• How does temperature help aid in our understanding of stars?