This guide describes how to create an H-R diagram for an opencluster by measuring the brightness of stars in two colors. You can dothis with sample data available from the Falukes Telescopes, or withdata from your own observation if you have an account. After doing thisactivity you should be able to:
* Use SalsaJ to do photometry for an open cluster in at least 2 colors
* Use a spreadsheet to create a color-magnitude diagram (H-R diagram) for the open cluster
* Describe how the H-R diagram for a cluster gives us information about its age
The Introduction to Photometry, Life Cycle of Stars and Magnitude and Distance Measurement articles contain background information relevant to this project.
You will find that the text contains many links. Some will take youto a glossary definition, while others are links to more informationabout a topic you may want to explore further. Please use this guide inthe way that makes most sense to you. You may want to read the entireguide first, then go back and follow links that interest you, or youmay want to follow links as you go along. You can also click on thediagrams to see them a larger size.
