A Conversation for Mnemonics and Other Learning Devices
Stars
The Researcher formally known as Dr St Justin Started conversation Aug 14, 2002
Astronomers like to be able to classify s. The usual method is to plot a graph of the
s [absolute] magnitude (how bright it would be from a distance of 10 parsecs) against its temperature. The resulting graph is known as a Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram.
The majority of stars lie in a slightly wavy band, which runs from the top left of the graph to the bottom right. Using this as a guide, astronomers can predict the magnitude [temperature] of a star, given its temperature [magnitude].
However, the boffins like to classify things a bit more - the stars also belong to various Spectral Classes (related to the temperature). The main classes just have letter names - OBAFGKM. These are subdivided into tenths, with a numerical suffix to the letter (eg F6). But how do you remember the letters?
'Oh be a fine girl [guy], kiss me'!
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