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Spectrum of a Blue Giant vs. Spectrum of a White Dwarf

Graphic titled “Comparing Density Through Spectra” with illustrations of a blue giant star, a white dwarf star, and their respective spectra.

Differences in the width and clarity of absorption lines of stars can indicate differences in density. The absorption lines of a white dwarf are much broader than those of a blue giant. A white dwarf can be 100,000,000 times denser than a blue giant.

  • Release Date
    July 2, 2021
  • Credit
    Illustration: NASA, ESA, CSA, Leah Hustak (STScI)

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Last Updated
Aug 28, 2025
Contact
Media

Laura Betz
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
laura.e.betz@nasa.gov

Illustration Credit

NASA, ESA, CSA, Leah Hustak (STScI)

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