star search was relaunched in 200304
astronomers can determine stellar propertiesincluding mass age metallicity chemical composition variability distance and motion through spaceby carrying out observations of a stars apparent brightness spectrum and changes in its position in the sky over time
 etymology the word star ultimately derives from the protoindoeuropean root hstr also meaning star but further analyzable as hehs to burn also the source of the word ash  tr agentive suffix