Stars: A Glimpse into the Universe

What are stars?

A star is any large, gaseous celestial body that is self-luminous and emits light as a result of its own internal energy sources. Only a very small portion of the tens of billions of trillions of stars in the observable cosmos is visible to the unaided eye.

How do the temperatures of Betelgeuse, Rigel, and the Sun compare?

A. The three stars have different colors but the same temperature.
B. Betelgeuse is hotter than the Sun and cooler than Rigel.
C. Rigel is hotter than Betelgeuse and cooler than the Sun.
D. The Sun is hotter than Betelgeuse and cooler than Rigel.

Answer:

The temperature of these stars compared to the Sun is hotter than Betelgeuse and cooler than Rigel. The correct option is D.

Stars are fascinating celestial bodies that dot the vast expanse of the universe, emitting light and heat due to their internal energy sources. These giant gaseous orbs come in a variety of colors and temperatures, each with its own unique characteristics.

When we compare the temperatures of Betelgeuse, Rigel, and the Sun, we find that the Sun falls in between Betelgeuse and Rigel in terms of temperature. Betelgeuse is cooler than the Sun, while Rigel is hotter. This difference in temperature is reflected in the colors of these stars, with Betelgeuse appearing red, Rigel shining blue, and the Sun glowing yellow.

The temperature of a star's surface plays a crucial role in determining its color. Stars with higher surface temperatures emit shorter wavelengths of light, such as blue or blue-white, making them appear hotter. On the other hand, stars with lower surface temperatures emit longer wavelengths of light, like red or red-brown, giving them a cooler appearance.

In conclusion, the Sun is positioned in the middle of Betelgeuse and Rigel in terms of temperature, with Betelgeuse being cooler and Rigel being hotter. This comparison highlights the diverse nature of stars and the range of temperatures they can exhibit in the vast cosmos.