How Do Astronomers Gather Information About Space? - SEO GUIDE

TEKS 8.8C explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information about distances and properties of components in the universe

How Do Astronomers Gather Information About Space?

Most of the information we have about the universe comes from radiation. Objects in the universe, such as stars and galaxies, emit radiation. This radiation travels in the form of waves. Different kinds of radiation have differing wavelengths and energies. We cannot see most of the radiation, but telescopes are used to collect the radiation for astronomers to study. The entire collection of different kinds of radiation is called the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of waves divided into regions based on wavelengths. At one end of the spectrum are radio waves, which allow you to listen to your favorite radio station. In the central portion is the only part of the spectrum you can see with your eye, the visible region. Most of the visible region comes from the Sun. When light is passed through a prism, it bends and separates into its different wavelengths or colors of the rainbow.

Spectroscopy is the study of the spectrum. A spectroscope is an instrument used to separate light into its component wavelengths so that they can be studied. The pattern of wavelengths and colors is called a spectrum. By obtaining and analyzing the spectrum from a distant object, astronomers can determine the object's temperature, density, direction of motion and composition. Each element composing a star has a unique spectrum. Just like a fingerprint, astronomers use the spectral patterns from stars and other objects to determine what elements compose the object. Below is an example of a spectrum from a star.

TEKS 8.8C explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information about distances and properties of components in the universe

How Do Astronomers Gather Information About Space?

Most of the information we have about the universe comes from ____________. Objects in the universe, such as _____________________, emit radiation. This radiation travels in the form of ____________. Different kinds of radiation have differing _________________ and energies. We ___________ _____ most of the radiation, but ____________ are used to collect the radiation for astronomers to study. The entire collection of different kinds of radiation is called the _______________ _____________. The electromagnetic spectrum is a continuum of waves divided into regions based on ______________. At one end of the spectrum are _________ _________, which allow you to listen to your favorite radio station. In the central portion is the only part of the spectrum you can see with your eye, the __________ ___________. Most of the visible region comes from the _______. When light is passed through a prism, it bends and __________ into its different wavelengths or colors of the rainbow.

______________ is the study of the spectrum. A _______________ is an instrument used to separate light into its component wavelengths so that they can be studied. The pattern of wavelengths and colors is called a _________. By obtaining and analyzing the ___________ from a distant object, astronomers can determine the object's __________, density, _________ __ __________ and ________________. Each _________ composing a star has a unique spectrum. Just like a ____________, astronomers use the __________ ____________ from stars and other objects to determine what ___________ compose the object. Below is an example of a spectrum from a star.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download