SPECTRAL ANALYSIS
Source:
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science.science.html"Our eyes cover less than one octave of the electromagnetic spectrum. Astronomical observations from low frequency radio waves to ultra high energy gamma rays cover more than 65 octaves."
Figure 1 Diagram of a spectrograph
Each element has a unique spectral signature as shown below.
Figure 2 Sample spectra
Scientists use this information to determine the chemical composition of a space object.
For example: X-ray spectra come from extremely high temperature gases. These come from clusters of galaxies, solar coronae and supernovae.
