ScienceAugust 30, 2026

spectroscopy

spek-TROS-kuh-pee

Definition

The scientific study of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation, used here to analyze the light emitted or reflected by distant exoplanets.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'spectrum' (appearance or image) and the Greek 'skopein' (to look at). It emerged in the 19th century to describe the analytical method of examining spectra.

In the news

The article mentions spectroscopy as a key function of the Roman Space Telescope's Coronagraph Instrument. This technique allows scientists to study the composition and characteristics of individual exoplanets in high detail.

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope set to probe mysteries of universe, test Einstein’s theory

Read the full article ↗

The Tribune

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