Astronomical spectroscopy
Article
Astronomical spectroscopy is the study of spectra from stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial objects. It separates incoming radiation by wavelength so that emission, absorption, and continuum features can be measured.
Spectral lines reveal the chemical elements and molecules present because each species has characteristic transitions. Their relative strengths can provide information about temperature, density, ionisation, pressure, and composition.
Doppler shifts in spectral features measure motion towards or away from the observer. Line broadening and splitting can indicate rotation, turbulence, magnetic fields, expansion, and gravitational effects.
Astronomical spectroscopy is fundamental to determining stellar types, elemental abundances, redshifts, planetary atmospheres, interstellar conditions, and the physical evolution of the universe.
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- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomical_spectroscopy