Question

describe how astronomers are able to use the light from a distant star to determine what elements make up the stars.

Answer 1

Answer:

The spectra of the Sun and stars exhibited bright and dark lines called Fraunhofer lines. These were shown to be caused by elements emitting or absorbing light at specific wavelengths. Because each element emits or absorbs light only at specific wavelengths, the chemical composition of stars can be determined.