How can an astronomer know what elements are in a star?

This type of study is called spectroscopy. The science of spectroscopy is quite sophisticated. From spectral lines astronomers can determine not only the element, but the temperature and density of that element in the star. The spectral line also can tell us about any magnetic field of the star.

How can scientists tell which elements exist on an unknown planet?

NASA scientists often use a technique called “remote sensing” to study the composition of different elements and structures on planets. When we look out into the solar system and beyond, we use remote sensing to see things far beyond what we can see with our naked eye.

How can astronomers detect what is in other planets atmospheres?

To study the atmospheres of other planets and their moons, earthbound astronomers use a set of techniques called spectroscopy. Light is collected by a telescope and split into its component wavelengths, creating a spectrum.

How can astronomers tell if a star has a planet or another star around it?

The vast majority of planets around other stars have been found through the transit method so far. This technique involves monitoring the amount of light that a star gives off over time, and looking for dips in brightness that may indicate an orbiting planet passing in front of the star.

How do astronomers use light to study stars?

“You take the light from a star, planet or galaxy and pass it through a spectroscope, which is a bit like a prism letting you split the light into its component colours. “It lets you see the chemicals being absorbed or emitted by the light source.

How do astronomers use light and energy to find an exoplanet?

Using spectrometers, which measure the particular frequencies of light emitted by a star, astronomers can search for apparent shifts, indicating that the star is moving slightly closer to us or drifting slightly away. The degree of movement can even reflect the mass of the planet.

How are exoplanet atmospheres detected during transit observations?

Most known exoplanets have been discovered using the transit method. A transit occurs when a planet passes between a star and its observer. As it transits, some light will go through its atmosphere and that light can be analyzed to determine what different atmospheric elements influenced its particular dispersion.

Which of the following do astronomers measure to discover planets around other stars?

Another method astronomers use to find planets is called gravitational microlensing. It works by carefully measuring the brightness of one star as it passes in front of another. The foreground star acts like a lens, focusing the light with its gravity and causing the star to brighten for a few hours.

How can astronomers determine the orbital period of a planet in transit?

The orbital period of the planet can be determined by measuring the elapsed time between transits. Once the orbital period is known, Kepler’s Third Law of Planetary Motion can be applied to determine the average distance of the planet from its stars.