Elements of the Stars
by Ana Tressel, Kayla Peluso, and Vicki Liverpool
Elements Identified in Stars
Elements in a star are identified by using Spectroscopy. By analyzing the light radiation from a star, identifies which elements are in it.
Electromagnetic Spectra
Elements Within a Star
Continuous, Emission, and Absorption Spectra
Depending on their temperature, elements' emissions and absorption lines can be seen. The lines that are seen in a stars spectrum are like thermometers. Some compounds like titanium oxide, appear in very cold stars. Other stars like helium, appear in very hot stars.
Spectra of Elements
How This Is Helpful to Astronomers
Since Earth's atmosphere absorbs most of the invisible light from the Sun and other stars, astronomers need to use special telescopes above Earth's air because they can see the light inviable to the human eye.