Astronomers detect the existence of dark objects in space through indirect methods like gravitational lensing, where the object's gravity bends light from background sources. They also use the dynamics of stars and galaxies to infer the presence of unseen mass, such as in the case of dark matter.
Doppler spectroscopy, also known as radial velocity measurement, has been the method used to find most of the 500+ confirmed exoplanets so far. It looks at how the spectrum from the star shifts as it changes radial velocity, due to a planets gravity effecting its movement.
Astronomers can determine the star's temperature, chemical composition, mass, luminosity, and age by analyzing its spectrum. By studying the absorption and emission lines in the spectrum, astronomers can also infer the star's motion, magnetic fields, and if it has any companions such as planets or other stars.
The mass of an extrasolar planet is typically measured using two primary methods: the radial velocity method and the transit method. In the radial velocity method, astronomers observe the wobble of a star caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet, which affects the star's light spectrum. The transit method involves measuring the slight dip in a star's brightness as a planet passes in front of it, allowing scientists to infer the planet's size and, when combined with other data, its mass. Both methods rely on precise measurements and modeling of the star-planet system.
A telescope gathers light from objects in space, allowing astronomers to observe and study the objects in detail. This collected light is then magnified and analyzed to provide information on the object's characteristics such as size, composition, distance, and movement.
Mendeleev predicted the existence of unnatural elements by leaving gaps in his periodic table for elements that had not yet been discovered. He used the properties of known elements around these gaps to infer the characteristics of the missing elements, thereby predicting their existence. This approach proved successful when later discoveries confirmed the existence of these predicted elements.
The quasar method is a technique used in astrophysics to estimate the distances to distant celestial objects. It involves observing the spectra of quasars, which are extremely bright and distant objects, to determine the redshift caused by the expansion of the universe. By comparing the redshift of a quasar with known properties to that of a target object, astronomers can infer the distance to the target object.
[object Object]
[object Object]
Astronomers can determine the expansion of the universe by observing the cosmic background radiation, and the red- or blue-shifting of distant objects.
The most common method to detect planets in face-on orbits to Earth is the transit method. This technique involves measuring the decrease in brightness of a star as the planet passes in front of it, causing a transit. By observing periodic dimming of the star's light, astronomers can infer the presence and characteristics of the orbiting planet.
From this you can infer that energy has been transferred by radiant energy.
From the light of distant objects, we can determine properties such as their distance, composition, temperature, and motion. By analyzing the light's spectrum, astronomers can infer the chemical elements present in the object and its velocity towards or away from us (Doppler effect). Additionally, the brightness of the object's light can provide clues about its size and luminosity.
Astronomers use molecules such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, and water to detect the structure of molecular clouds because these molecules are abundant in space and emit distinct radio signals that can be observed using radio telescopes. By studying the distribution and motions of these molecules within molecular clouds, astronomers can infer important properties such as temperature, density, and chemical composition of the clouds.
Astronomers infer from the redshift of light from other galaxies that they are moving away from us, indicating that the universe is expanding. This supports the concept of the Big Bang theory, which suggests that the universe began from a highly dense and hot state and has been expanding ever since. The further away a galaxy is, the faster it is moving away from us, indicating the expansion is accelerating.
Neutral binary stars can have their sizes measured directly by photometry. By observing how the brightness of the system changes over time, astronomers can infer the sizes of the individual stars and the distance between them. This method can provide valuable information about the physical parameters of the binary system.
From this, we can infer that light waves transfer energy to the object upon impact, which results in an increase in the object's temperature due to the absorption of this energy. This process, known as photothermal heating, occurs as the object's molecules absorb the light energy and convert it into heat.
If an object floats in a fluid, it means that the weight of the object is equal to the buoyant force exerted by the fluid on the object. This equilibrium allows the object to remain suspended in the fluid without sinking or rising.