Exam-style question
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Which characteristic of quasars helps astronomers determine their distance from Earth?.
- A.Their spectral lines
- B.Their color
- C.Their variability in brightness
- D.Their redshift
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Their redshift
Explanation
Why this works
The redshift of quasars is a critical characteristic that allows astronomers to determine their distance. As quasars move away from Earth, the light they emit shifts to longer wavelengths, indicating their speed and distance.
This relationship helps in understanding the expansion of the universe and the distribution of quasars across cosmic time.
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