How can spectra tell us what things are made of?
Stars and planets are too far away for a human to touch, yet we know what they are made of. Spectra make this possible! Let’s investigate how.Earth Part 2: Reflection Spectrum
Spectrum Tool. Compare Earth's reflection spectrum with comparison spectra of different molecules.
- Under Source 1, select "Earth Reflection." Adjust the wavelength stretch as needed to bring the spectrum into view.
- Under Source 2, select the spectra for different comparison molecules.
- Compare absorption line features between Earth's reflection spectrum and the molecules to identify at least two matches.
Spectrum Notebook. Answer these questions in your Notebook.
- Explain how it is possible for Earth’s reflection spectrum to have absorption features. What aspect of the Sun-Earth system (shown in the diagram from Part 1) is causing the absorption?
- Identify at least two molecules in the absorption features of Earth’s reflection spectrum
Brightness 