Classification lies at the foundation of every science. Scientists create classification systems based on the patterns they see. For example:
When astronomers look through their telescopes, they see billions of stars. How do they make sense of all of them?
Astronomers are no different. They classify planets by their composition (rocky planets or gas giants), galaxies by their shape (spiral, elliptical or irregular), & stars by their spectra.
* Biologists classify plants & animals in to groups based on their structure
* Geologists classify rocks & minerals by their origins
* Chemists classify compounds by what elements they contain
Classifying star spectra was a key step for astronomers in discovering how stars work. Thus, in astronomy as well as other sciences, the seemingly ordinary step of classifying things finally yields critical insights in to our world.
When astronomers look through their telescopes, they see billions of stars. How do they make sense of all of them?
Astronomers are no different. They classify planets by their composition (rocky planets or gas giants), galaxies by their shape (spiral, elliptical or irregular), & stars by their spectra.
* Biologists classify plants & animals in to groups based on their structure
* Geologists classify rocks & minerals by their origins
* Chemists classify compounds by what elements they contain
Classifying star spectra was a key step for astronomers in discovering how stars work. Thus, in astronomy as well as other sciences, the seemingly ordinary step of classifying things finally yields critical insights in to our world.