How Do Astronomers Test the Accuracy of Theories of Star Formation?

Astronomers study heavenly bodies, such as stars.

Astronomers are scientists who study heavenly bodies. Galileo and Ptolemy are two famous astronomers. The research of astronomers helps us understand the nature of the universe. Astronomers have different theories about the formation of stars. They may test these theories through observation and research, but they can't be absolutely sure about the accuracy of the theories.

Star Formation Theories

One theory that astronomers have about star formation is that shock waves act on a giant cloud to start the process of forming a star. The theory is that this event compresses the cloud and starts off the process. The explosion of a supernova, for example, may bring about such a shock wave. Another theory is that when molecular clouds collide, this causes parts of the clouds to compress and trigger the process of star formation.

Proving the Theories

It's one thing to come up with a theory, but the scientific process also calls for proving the theories. Although astronomers may come up with reasonable explanations to explain the formation of stars, no one can be absolutely sure if these explanations are correct: No one has actually been on the scene to watch the formation of a star. Future scientists may come up with explanations that render today's theories obsolete.

Observation

Astronomers observe the heavens with telescopes to watch for the process of star formation. For instance, on a clear night, a viewer can watch the Orion Nebula, an area that's ripe with star formation. The nebula contains hundreds of stars, but it requires a powerful telescope to see the smaller ones. The stars in this nebula are less than 2 million years old, and astronomers use them to observe star formation and test their theories.

Research

Another way of testing the accuracy of theories is by conducting research. "Stellar physics" is a term that scientists use to describe research about various aspects of stars, including star formation. For instance, asteroseismic research helps further our understanding of star evolution. Asteroseismology involves studying minute pulsations in the brightness of a star to understand its internal structure.

References

• "Foundations of Astronomy"; Michael A. Seeds, et al.; 2010
• NASA: NASA Kepler Reaching Into the Stars