Which specific standard candles did Hubble utilize to accurately calculate the distances to remote nebulae like the Andromeda Nebula?

Answer

Cepheid variable stars.

To establish the necessary yardstick for measuring intergalactic distances, Hubble focused on identifying 'standard candles'—objects whose true, intrinsic brightness (absolute luminosity) is known beforehand. The crucial objects he successfully employed for this purpose were Cepheid variable stars located within the spiral nebulae. The method relies on observing the precise period between these stars brightening and dimming; this period directly correlates to their absolute luminosity. By comparing this known absolute luminosity with how bright they appeared from Earth (apparent brightness), Hubble could derive the distance with much greater accuracy than previously possible, confirming the remote nature of these structures.

Which specific standard candles did Hubble utilize to accurately calculate the distances to remote nebulae like the Andromeda Nebula?

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