Electromagnetic Spectrum
This light that we see is just one small chunk of light which is made by stars. We often call the small range of wavelengths our eyes can detect, optical, or visible light.
- Properties of each Electromagnetic Wave
Moving through the electromagnetic spectrum we go from short to long wavelengths and the frequency of the waves gets smaller. We go from high-energy to low-energy.
Spectra
Even though light often looks white, it is made up of lots of different colours all added together.
Astronomers often want to know exactly what colours of light there are coming from a star or galaxy. To measure this, they use an instrument called a spectroscope. These have prisms, or gratings, inside them which separate the light. They then record the data.
Classify a Star
Ricardo Schiavon
Credit: ARI/LJMU
Occupation: Astrophysicist
Research Areas: Galaxy formation, Observational astronomy
"I consider myself extremely lucky to be where I am, do what I do, and to be surrounded by so many amazing people here in Liverpool."