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Light Curves, Spectra, and Images |
Tools for All Astronomers
Astronomical data can be analyzed in different ways to learn about a
particular source. Astronomers can time events (for instance, recording
exactly when a
binary star
system is
eclipsed and for how long), record the energy distribution of a source
(for instance, passing sunlight through a prism to break it into its component
colors), or record the appearance of a source (for instance, taking a picture
of the source). These three methods are by no means exclusive of each other,
but each reveals different aspects of a source and each method gives the
astronomer slightly different information. These are called timing, spectral,
and imaging analysis, respectively. The results of each are displayed as
light curves, spectra, and images.
Tell me more about light curves! - Coming Soon!
Tell me more about spectra!
Tell me more about images! - Coming Soon!
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