What does spectroscopy measure to infer an asteroid's surface composition?
Answer
The component colors when breaking down the reflected light.
Characterizing an asteroid involves moving beyond simple astrometry (measuring position) to detailed spectral and photometric analysis. Spectroscopy is the technique employed to deduce surface composition. It functions by taking the light reflected off the asteroid's surface and breaking that light down into its constituent colors or spectrum. Different minerals and compounds absorb or reflect light at specific wavelengths, creating a unique spectral signature. By analyzing this broken-down light, scientists can infer whether the surface material is predominantly composed of silicates, various carbon compounds, or metallic elements, thereby classifying the object's surface makeup.
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