Imagine that you take images of two main sequence stars that have the same mass.
ID: 2255087 • Letter: I
Question
Imagine that you take images of two main sequence stars that have the same mass. From your observations, both stars appear to be the same age. Consider the following possible interpretations that could be made from your observations.
A) Both stars are the same age and the same distance from you.
B) Both stars are the same age but at different distances from you.
C) The stars are actually different ages but at the same distance from you.
D) The star that is closer to you is actually the older of the two stars.
E) The star that is farther from you is actually the older of the two stars.
How many of the five choices (A-E) are possible? Which ones? (Explain your reasoning.)
Explanation / Answer
A and E.
As stars age on the main sequence, they get a little brighter.