9.0 Learning Objectives

In this chapter, students will learn how to:

• Describe the role of stars as fundamental building blocks of galaxies and explain how their age, composition, and distribution provide insights into galactic history and evolution.
• Apply the principles of parallax and stellar distances to calculate the approximate distance of a star from Earth when provided with its measured parallax angle, illustrating an understanding of the inverse relationship between parallax and distance.
• Define luminosity and explain its significance in relation to stars’ energy output.
• Explain the inverse square law and how it determines the relationship between distance and perceived brightness of stars.
• Outline the challenges astronomers face in directly imaging exoplanets and describe the techniques used to overcome these challenges.