Ultraviolet light is a type of light or electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength than that of visible light. The primary source of ultraviolet light is the sun; it can also be found in electric arcs and in specialized lights. Far ultraviolet on the other hand is ultraviolet light with a wavelength range of […]
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Photo by: Zedh Creative Commons The small field found at the wide range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation is called visible light. It can be discerned by the naked eye and has wavelengths measured to be from 780 nanometers to 390 nanometers. Each wavelength has a particular color and when that specific wavelength hits one’s
The sun emits different forms of energy in the form of electromagnetic waves. One form is the ultraviolet light which has a shorter wavelength of between 10 to 400 nm than visible light (greater than 400 nm) and a longer wavelength than x-rays (less than 10 nm). Because of its shorter wavelength, ultraviolet light contains
Light is a form of energy that allows us to see. And our major source of this energy is the sun. Light is considered Electromagnetic Radiation, which includes infrared rays, ultraviolet and radio waves. Through the ages, scientists have formulated theories on light?s nature. Because of its behavior and observed properties, it has the dual
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Photo by: Brews ohare Creative Commons A standard candle is a class of astronomical objects that belong to the same class and have a standard luminosity or brightness. You can actually determine an object’s distance from the earth using standard candles.
Photo by: RichN Creative Commons Zodiacal light is a faint white glow in the nighttime sky. There are space dusts in the zodiacal clouds that when hit by the sun’s light, give a white glow on a dark night here on Earth. On an evening when there is no moon, it is said that 60%
You can determine the characteristics of a star by breaking down its light into its components. This collection of colors obtained is called a spectrum, and is useful in determining the elements and other components of stars. We know the spectrum of our own sun whenever we view its spectrum, whenever we see a rainbow.
The speed of light is the fastest possible speed by which anything can travel. You cannot go faster than this. Numerically, the speed of light is approximately 186,280 miles per second. Photo by: Brews ohare Creative Commons What makes this quantity important? In astronomy, this is very important as distances are measured in light years.
Transparency is one thing you want to be familiar with when you observe astronomical objects with your telescope. When observing the sky with a telescope, what you will see will depend on viewing conditions, the transparency conditions and of course, the features of the equipment you are using. Viewing conditions are affected by how air
You can find out a lot about certain object by analyzing its light. Breaking down a star’s light into different wavelengths for example, can give you information about its mass, composition and temperature. By doing this, you are actually employing the science of spectroscopy, looking at the interaction of materials and radiated energy.
