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What did Hubble use to scale galactic and extragalactic distances?

  • Luminosity and pulsation period of Cepheid variables

  • Size of galaxy clusters

  • Brightness of star systems

  • Distance of comets

Answer

Edwin Hubble used the luminosity and pulsation period of Cepheid variables to scale galactic and extragalactic distances. Cepheid variables are a type of variable star that pulsates in a regular manner, and their luminosity is directly related to their pulsation period. By measuring the pulsation period of a Cepheid variable, astronomers can determine its luminosity, and then use that information to estimate its distance from Earth.
Exploring the Cosmos: Discovering Edwin Hubble's Universe

Exploring the Cosmos: Discovering Edwin Hubble's Universe

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