What do the unique patterns of bright or dark lines in a spectrum represent for astronomers?
Answer
Cosmic fingerprints
Different elements, when energized, emit or absorb light at highly specific wavelengths. When this light is passed through a spectroscope, these unique wavelengths manifest as characteristic patterns of bright or dark lines within the spectrum. Astronomers rely on these patterns because they are unique to the chemical elements making up the source object, whether it is a star or an entire galaxy. Therefore, these patterns act as reliable identifiers, allowing astronomers to deduce crucial physical properties such as the chemical composition, the temperature of the source, and its relative motion.
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