Image for spectroscopy in astronomy

spectroscopy in astronomy

Spectroscopy in astronomy is a technique that analyzes the light from celestial objects to understand their composition, temperature, motion, and other properties. When light from stars or galaxies passes through a prism or diffraction grating, it splits into a spectrum of colors containing dark or bright lines. These lines reveal the presence of specific elements and molecules, much like a cosmic fingerprint. By studying these spectra, astronomers can determine what objects are made of, how they’re moving, and how they’ve evolved, providing crucial insights into the universe’s workings.