Spectroscopes
Why they are important!
How Elements Are Identified in Stars
Ever wonder what's actually going on in our universe? Almost everyone knows that stars are really just huge balls of gas, but is that really it? With spectroscopes and the science of spectroscopy, we are able to identify different elements in stars by examining the spectra (colors) produced from the electromagnetic radiation the star is emitting. Each element has its own unique light spectrum that makes it possible for scientists to identify it with a spectroscope. This is important for Astronomers because you can understand a lot about an object or element just by the kinds of light it contains, So if an object is extremely far or unobtainable such a star you can still obtain a lot of information about it and the light it emits just by using a spectrometer. For example, Jupiter's absorption spectrum allows astronomers to identify hydrogen, helium, and other elements in its atmosphere.
Hydrogen Light Spectrum
The element hydrogen's type of spectrum (bottom spectrum) is emission lines, you can tell because their are only four visible colors, red, blue-green, blue-violet, and violet. This also makes it very easy to identify this element in a star.
Helium Light Spectrum
Helium's spectrum (bottom spectrum), also gives off emission lines. Helium and hydrogen both radiate some of the same colors, but unlike hydrogen, yellow and indigo are also visible when looking at helium through a spectroscope.
Lithium Light Spectrum
The Element Lithium gives off emission lines. Lithium radiates some of the same colors as Helium and Hydrogen, but colors such as violet, green, and yellow are not visible on this spectrum.
Boron Light Spectrum
Boron like the other elements gives off emission lines. But unlike the other Boron radiates all of the colors except for Green and Red.
Oxygen Light Spectrum
The element Oxygen gives off emission lines. Colors such as red, orange, yellow, blue-green, blue, and indigo are visible on this spectrum.
Nitrogen Light Spectrum
Neon's spectrum gives off emission lines with colors like red, yellow, green, blue-green, blue, and violet.