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What element's stars did Bidelman co-discover?

  • Helium stars

  • Hydrogen stars

  • Mercury stars

  • Iron stars

Answer

The term "Mercury stars" refers to an observational effect seen in white dwarf stars. In these stars, magnetic fields create spots on the stellar surface that are cooler and hotter than the surrounding regions. As the star rotates, these cooler regions produce periodic dips in the star's brightness, a phenomenon known as "starspots."
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The Stellar Legacy of William P. Bidelman: An Astronomical Quiz Quest

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