What measurement allows astronomers to quantify the temperature and composition of an object via its light?
Answer
Wavelength (Color)
The analysis of electromagnetic radiation, or light, reaching the telescope is fundamental to astronomy, as it provides far more than just positional data. Specifically, measuring the precise wavelength, or color, of the incoming light yields crucial information about the celestial body itself. The spectral characteristics directly correlate with the object's surface temperature and its chemical makeup or composition. For example, observing how this light is stretched toward the red end of the spectrum, known as redshift, helps determine velocity, but the specific color profile reveals thermal and material properties.
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How Does An Astronomical Unit (AU) Measure Cosmic Distances?
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