Blackbody Curve

What is it?

• The way in which the intensity of radiation emitted by a hot object depends on frequency. The frequency at which the emitted intensity is highest is an indication of the temperature of the radiating object. It is also called the Planck curve.

How does it relate to Astronomy?

• Stars are also blackbody radiators and most of the light directed out of stars is absorbed. This is why different stars have different colors.

• A blackbody is a theoretical object that absorbs 100% of the radiation that hits it. Therefore it reflects no radiation and appears perfectly black.

Sources:

Reeves, Alison, Astronomy Today: 4th Edition, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2002

www.egglescliffe.org.uk/physics/astronomy/blackbody/bbody.html