/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 3 How did Edwin Hubble prove that ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 24: Problem 3

How did Edwin Hubble prove that the Andromeda "Nebula" is not a nebula within our Milky Way Galaxy?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Edwin Hubble proved that the Andromeda 'Nebula' was not a nebula within the Milky Way Galaxy, but rather a separate galaxy, by observing a Cepheid Variable star in Andromeda. By calculating the star's intrinsic brightness and comparing it with its apparent brightness, Hubble was able to determine the distance to Andromeda, which was far greater than the limits of the Milky Way, hence, proving that Andromeda is a separate galaxy.

Step by step solution

01

Background Information

Start by outlining the state of scientific understanding before Hubble's discovery. Until the early 20th century, it was commonly believed that the Milky Way represented the entire universe, and objects like Andromeda were thought to be nebulae within it. Recognize that Edwin Hubble proved this theory wrong.
02

The Use of Cepheid Variable Stars

Detail Hubble's strategy to use Cepheids, which are stars that have a direct relationship between their luminosity and pulsation period. Hubble observed a Cepheid Variable star in Andromeda and, based on its period, calculated its intrinsic brightness. He then compared this with the star's apparent brightness to calculate the distance to Andromeda.
03

Hubble's Conclusion

Lastly, highlight Hubble's conclusion. Based on his calculations, Hubble determined that the Andromeda 'Nebula' was located at a distance far greater than the limits of the Milky Way as understood at the time, which led him to conclude that Andromeda was not a nebula but rather a galaxy separate from our Milky Way.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What is the difference between a cluster and a supercluster? Are both clusters and superclusters held together by their gravity?

Explain why the dark matter in galaxy clusters could not be neutral hydrogen.

Why are Type Ia supernovae useful for finding the distances to very remote galaxies? Can they be used to find the distance to any galaxy you might choose? Explain.

Why do astronomers suspect that the Hubble tuning fork diagram does not depict the evolutionary sequence of galaxies?

The Earth is composed principally of heavy elements, such as silicon, nickel, and iron. Would you be likely to find such planets orbiting stars in the disk of a spiral galaxy? In the nu-cleus of a spiral galaxy? In an elliptical galaxy? In an irregular galaxy? Explain your answers.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Turning Points in Physics

Read Explanation

Circular Motion and Gravitation

Read Explanation

Geometrical and Physical Optics

Read Explanation

Waves Physics

Read Explanation

Energy Physics

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.