The document discusses the electromagnetic spectrum and its relation to astronomy. It explains that electromagnetic radiation travels in waves with different wavelengths and frequencies. Stars, planets, and gases in space emit radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum. By analyzing the wavelength and frequency of the radiation from astronomical objects, astronomers can determine their composition and properties. The document also describes how Doppler shift and redshift/blueshift of light from galaxies provide insights about the expansion of the universe and movement of objects in space.
2. Light
A common term for electromagnetic
radiation, which travels in space as
waves.
The human eye can only sense a
limited range of all the various
wavelengths of electromagnetic
radiation. We only “see” visible light.
5. Examples of uses
UV – (black light). Some animals,
including birds, reptiles, and insects such
as bees, can see into the near
ultraviolet.
Many fruits, flowers, and seeds stand
out more strongly from the background
in ultraviolet wavelengths as compared
to human color vision.
9. Gamma rays
Used for the treatment of cancer
Radiation therapy
detects the gamma radiation
Gamma-ray Image with stowaways
10. Question: How does this
(Electromagnetic Radiation) relate
to astronomy?
Stars, planets, and gas in space emit
electromagnetic radiation.
Each element in the Periodic table has it
own unique wavelength and frequency.
Knowing its wavelength and frequency, we
are able to determine color and
composition of stars, planets, ect…
12. The Moon as seen in gamma rays by the Compton Gamma
Ray Observatory.
Surprisingly, the Moon is actually brighter than the Sun at
gamma ray wavelengths.
19. What is the Doppler Effect?
Change in the wave frequency that
occurs when energy moves toward or
away from an observer or object,
such as sound or light.
20. What is a “red shift?”
The process of galaxies
moving AWAY from Earth,
resulting a in a longer
wavelength.
21. What is a “Blue Shift?”
The process of galaxies
moving toward Earth,
resulting in a shorter
wavelength.
22. Why are these “shifts” important in
studying our universe?
Observations show that most
galaxies are moving away from us,
thus proving that the universe is
expanding (BIG BANG THEORY).
Can provide information about
incoming objects (asteroids).