Identifying star elements in space
By: Michael, Matt, and Collin
Spectroscope
Astronomers use a spectroscope, which is an instrument used to measure properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Anyone can use a spectroscope to identify what elements are in stars.
Identifying the star elements
Astronomers use this spectroscope by passing star light through it to separate the light into a spectrum. The spectrum is a rainbow of different colors. Each element on the periodic table gives a different pattern of colors. The astronomers analyze the color patterns to tell which elements are in each star.
Identifying Elements
Hydrogen: Violet-Blue-Green-Red
Helium: Violet-Blue-Green-Yellow-Orange-Red
Oxygen: Blue-Green-Orang-Red
Carbon: Violet-Blue-Green-Yellow-Red
Nitrogen: Violet-Blue-Green-Yellow-Orange-Pink-Red