Photos of planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies taken with modern telescopes show beautiful images, but the real story lies in the spectrum of light. Astronomers are fascinated by the unique property of light that reveals the composition of celestial objects and the cosmic past of distant objects in the universe.
Scientists discovered that each element or molecule emits a specific color of light when heated. These emission lines create identifiable patterns that help in material identification. By analyzing the lines in the spectrum, astronomers can determine the elements present in stars and galaxies.
Moving electrons between energy levels create the spectral lines. Different elements have unique patterns of absorption or emission lines, acting like a barcode for identification. Spectroscopy allows telescopes to reveal the elements present in the universe around us.
The shifting of spectral lines towards longer wavelengths indicates movement away from us, known as redshift. Distant galaxies exhibit redshift due to the stretching of the universe. By measuring redshift, astronomers can determine the distance traveled by light and study the expansion of the Universe.
Despite the challenges, astronomers extract valuable information from the light, helping understand the evolution of stars and search for signs of life in exoplanets. Ultimately, the behavior of electrons and quantum mechanics enable us to learn about the universe through the study of light.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
