Stellar Guide
By Peter Rosenthal
How Elements are Identified in Stars
Every element reflects and absorbs light. The light that is reflected shows which element it is, so if a scientist wanted to know what elements made up a star, they could. For example, hydrogen reflects very little light, and this type of spectrum is emission.
How Identifying the Elements of Stars Helps Astronomers
Using light to identify the elements that make up stars help astronomers better understand how stars are made, their different stages, and general facts about stars.