1. ASK ASTRO.
- Author
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Bond, Howard E., Shubinski, Raymond, Scoles, Sarah, and Kunimoto, Michelle
- Subjects
- *
STARS , *TRAVEL time (Traffic engineering) , *STAR maps (Astronomy) , *INTERPLANETARY dust , *MAP projection , *CONSTELLATIONS - Abstract
This article from Astronomy magazine features a Q&A section where experts answer questions about various astronomical topics. The first question addresses the phenomenon of superluminal expansion, specifically in relation to a light echo observed around the star V838 Monocerotis. The experts explain that the apparent growth of the dust ring around the star is an illusion caused by the extra distance traveled by the reflected light. The second question discusses the different ways constellations are depicted in astronomy software and books. The experts explain that the depiction of constellations has evolved over time, with different mapmakers and atlases using their own artistic interpretations. The third question explores how scientists identify the spectral lines of different compounds. The experts explain that each element and compound emits unique sets of wavelengths of light, allowing astronomers to identify their presence. The fingerprints of these chemicals are obtained through laboratory experiments, where the atoms are subjected to various conditions and their resulting light is analyzed. The final question compares the capabilities of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the Kepler mission in discovering planets. The experts explain that TESS has a larger survey area, covering almost the entire sky, which allows it to observe a significantly larger pool of stars. TESS also operates for a longer period of time compared to Kepler. Both missions have contributed to our understanding of exoplanetary systems in different ways. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024