Without the right instruments, the telescopes that astronomers use would be useless.
We all know that astronomers use telescopes to study the far reaches of space. But an astronomer's telescope would be useless without the instruments that measure and analyze the light that telescopes gather. Often, astronomers create their own instruments depending on what they are studying. Other times, they use instruments that astronomers have been relying on for decades.
Photometer
One of the most common of astronomer's instruments is the photometer. According to the McDonald Observatory at the University of Texas, the photometer measures the intensity of light received by telescopes. Astronomers often create their own specialized photometers to fit special telescopes. At the McDonald Observatory, for instance, the Otto Struve Telescope uses the specially designed Argos photometer, which detects incoming photons.
Diffraction Gratings
Astronomers use diffraction gratings to disperse light sources into a spectrum. This process allows astronomers to study the spectra of light that comes comes from celestial bodies.
Spectrometers
Astronomers use spectrometers to study the intensity of light that comes from planets, stars and other celestial bodies. By doing this, astronomers can help determine how far from the Earth a celestial body is and how old it might be.
Filters
Glass filters are important instruments for astronomers who are using telescopes to make images of celestial bodies. These filters allow light of specific wavelengths to pass through, while preventing light of other wavelengths from doing the same. This is important because it allows astronomers to isolate and study specific colors of light from planets, stars and other celestial bodies.
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