In this activity, you will select and research one of the 25 brightest stars in our sky and apply the
concepts you have learned in the course to your particular star. [Note: the information covered in the
“Stars and the H-R Diagram” lab should be especially helpful.] You may choose the format of your
final submission (e.g., PowerPoint, video, podcast, etc.). Be thoughtful, but be creative!
Star Research Activity
During this activity, you will select your own star that you are to study in great detail by applying the
material and concepts from the lab manual, your textbook, videos, and reliable Internet sources.
Hopefully you will find this an excellent way to deepen your understanding of the material in a very
personal way. For some aspects, you will need to research your star using external resources, but
make sure all Internet sources are from reliable sites. Be sure to cite all your references!
There is no prescribed format or length for this activity. Instead, you are encouraged to use your own
creativity. Possible formats could include a PowerPoint presentation, podcast, website, or even a
standard written report. Feel free to include graphics, hyperlinks, music, bulleted lists, etc…
Regardless of the format you choose, your final submission must clearly include (and identify) the
following information about your star:
1. Distance, Location, and Name(s)
How far away is your star in light-years? Compare/contrast this with our Sun (8 light-minutes away).
Where is your star located? How and when would you go about finding it in the night sky?
What other name(s) does your star have? How is its astronomical name related to its constellation?
What does its ancient common name mean?
2. Star’s Story
Find out more about your chosen star from a historical perspective. This is not technical information,
but rather, ancient or modern mythology, historical or cultural information that involves your star.
3. Classification
Discuss the specific spectra of your star. Explain what it means. Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
4. Magnitude
What are the absolute and apparent magnitudes of your star? Explain what these two terms mean.
Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
5. H-R Diagram and Size
Where does your star fit on the H-R diagram? Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
Discuss this in terms of its size and, therefore, lifetime. Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
6. Lifespan and Age
What is the lifespan of your star? Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
How old is your star right now? Compare/contrast this with our Sun.
