Which component of globular clusters allowed Harlow Shapley to use these star groupings to find the location of the center of our Galaxy?
A) RR Lyrae variable stars
B) Cepheid variable stars
C) Nova star explosions
D) The emitted radio signals

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Harlow Shapley discovered that globular clusters contain a special type of variable star called RR Lyrae stars. These stars pulsate at a constant rate, allowing astronomers to accurately determine their distance from Earth. Shapley used the distribution and distances of RR Lyrae stars within globular clusters to map out the location and size of our Milky Way galaxy, discovering that its center was located far from our solar system.

Which Component of Globular Clusters Allowed Harlow Shapley to Use