The Puzzle About Quasar Spectra, Which Was Finally Solved by Maarten

question 47

Multiple Choice

The puzzle about quasar spectra, which was finally solved by Maarten Schmidt, was

• A) that the characteristic pattern of hydrogen spectral lines was seen but at much greater blueshifts than is usual from hydrogen in stellar sources.
• B) that the brightnesses of hydrogen lines in the familiar spectral sequence were seen to fluctuate wildly over times of seconds from such a bright and therefore presumably large object.
• C) that the characteristic pattern of hydrogen spectral lines was seen but at much greater redshifts than is usual from hydrogen in stellar sources.
• D) that a familiar spectral line sequence of hydrogen lines was detected from these starlike objects, but they had intensity ratios between lines radically different from those seen in spectra from nearby stars.

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Definitions:

Subjective Contours

Visual illusions where contours are perceived where none actually exist, demonstrating the mind's ability to fill in gaps in visual input.

Active Participation

Engagement in activities or learning processes by contributing thoughtfully rather than passively observing.

Awareness

The state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects, or sensory patterns.

Distal Stimulus

An object or event in the external world that produces sensory input, as opposed to the perception (proximal stimulus) that this object or event creates in the observer's mind.