Spectra of gas discharges Use the spectra found on this page to identify the unknown gas discharge tubes you observed in the lab.
Interactive Periodic Table Use this web site to identify your the unknown gases. Choose from hydrogen, helium, and oxygen.
Three Views Spectrum Demonstrator Click and drag the telescope around on this interactive web page. What type of spectrum is seen from each of the three views? Note: the gray object in the center of the page represents a cloud of gas in space.
Spectra and What Scientists Can Learn from Them The original web site that your lab book reading was copied from. Reference the links from this page.
More About Spectra from NASA"s "You be the astrophysicist" site. Compare the various spectra presented--check your understanding with the quiz.
Spectrometry Explained How do astronomers know that there is methane in Mars' atmosphere. An interactive website from NASA
Measuring the motion of astronomical objects.
The Doppler Effect of sound and light Watch this short, descriptive example of how relative motion between two objects changes the wavelength of sound and light energy radiating from them.
Here a few animations to help you visualize the Doppler Effect:
Doppler Shift Demonstrator, The Doppler Effect and Sonic Booms, Wikipedia: The Doppler Effect
Doppler Shift from NASA's Imagine the Universe Astronomer's Toolbox site. A "song" to remember! A quiz to check your understanding. Measure the velocity of M31.
Cosmological Red Shift, Stellar Spectral Red Shift Animation, and maybe the best one Stellar Spectrum Changes due to Relative Motion
Learning about stars from their luminosity and temperature.
HR Diagram Internet Activity Use this web site to learn about how you can use the HR Diagram to learn about stars. Answer the questions on the assignment as you go.
HR Diagram Online Quiz Complete the quiz on the HR Diagram Internet Activity by following this link.
LAB: Interactive HR Diagrams Use this link to complete the "Life Cycle Questions" and "HR Diagram Questions". You can find a copy of the assignment here.
Measuring Astronomical Distances. The most difficult task astronomer face, is measuring the distance to astronomical objects. Using the principle of the Cosmic Distance Ladder, the distance to each more distant object is based on the accurate measurements to closer objects. Read about how astronomers measure distances at the site linked in this paragraph (from the McDonald Observatory).
Using Supernovae to Measure Cosmic Distances
Black Body Spectrum.Try this on-line, interactive tool from the University of Colorado for investigating the spectrum of various blackbodies. Here is the link to run it online: PhET Interactive Simulation of the Blackbody Spectrum.
Apply what your know: Find the mass of Cygnus X-1 (a black hole). Find the velocity of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). Find the diameter of a star HT Cas. You be the astrophysicist!