An Astronomer Is Observing a Star Which Puzzles Her

question 23

Multiple Choice

An astronomer is observing a star which puzzles her. The lines in the star's spectrum indicates that the star is very hot and should therefore be blue. But the star looks reddish in photographs and in measurements of the continuous spectrum. What is one possible explanation of this puzzle?

• A) this star is surrounded by an HII region
• B) this star is in a local bubble, just like the Sun
• C) the star is no longer undergoing nuclear fusion inside
• D) we are seeing the light of the star through layers of interstellar dust
• E) this star must be located high above the disk of the Milky Way Galaxy

---

Definitions:

End User

The ultimate consumer of a product or service, who uses it for its intended purpose.

Direct Lease

A lease agreement directly between a lessor and lessee, often used in commercial real estate, where the lessee assumes both the benefits and risks of asset ownership.

Independent Leasing Company

A firm that specializes in leasing equipment or vehicles to businesses or individuals, not affiliated with a manufacturer or vendor of the items leased.

Financial Lease

A long-term lease agreement where the lessee assumes both the rights and risks of asset ownership, effectively treating it as a purchase for accounting purposes.