What is main- sequence fitting?
A)a way of forcing stars to fit into a standard main sequence, even when they have some unusual characteristics
B)a method for determining the age of a star cluster
C)a method for determining the distance to a star cluster by assuming that its main sequence should line up with the main sequence on a standard H- R diagram
D)the way we construct an H- R diagram by plotting the surface temperatures and luminosities of stars

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Main-sequence fitting is a method for determining the distance to a star cluster by assuming that its main sequence should line up with the main sequence on a standard H-R diagram. This method can be used to estimate distances to star clusters that are too far away to use parallax measurements. By comparing the properties of stars in the cluster to the properties of stars on the main sequence of a standard H-R diagram, astronomers can determine the distance to the cluster.

What Is Main- Sequence Fitting