Name: _____________________________
Period: _____
Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Stars within the universe can be described using physical characteristics such as color, temperature, size, and brightness.
The Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) Diagram plots stars using these physical characteristics.
Below are two different versions of the H-R Diagram. You may use either or both to answer the questions that follow.
Questions:
Use complete sentences to answer the following questions.
1. How does the brightness of a star with a positive absolute magnitude compare to the brightness of a star with a
negative absolute magnitude?
2. Identify and describe the characteristics used to classify Rigel.
3. What do Pollux, Aldebaran, and Arcturas have in common?
4. What do Regulus, Tau Ceti, and the Sun have in common?
5. Compare and contrast Procyon A and Mira.
6. Compare and contrast Sirius B and Regulus.
Science 8- Astronomy
7. Compare and contrast Bernard’s Star and Spica.
8. Describe the relationship between temperature and absolute magnitude in the main sequence group of stars.
9. Which classification of stars on the HR Diagram are the youngest?
10. Which classification of stars on the HR Diagram are the oldest?
11. Which statement best describes stars classified as main sequence stars?
a. Main sequence stars increase in temperature as they become dimmer.
b. Main sequence stars decrease in temperature as they become brighter.
c. Main sequence stars increase in temperature as they become brighter.
d. None of the above.
12. Which classification of stars would be described as red to red-orange, medium magnitude, cool, and large in size?
a. Giants
b. Main Sequence
c. Supergiants
d. White Dwarfs
Science 8- Astronomy