spectrum | The Schools' Observatory

Electromagnetic Spectrum

This light that we see is just one small chunk of light which is made by stars. We often call the small range of wavelengths our eyes can detect, optical, or visible light.

A black arrow cuts diagonally downwards across the image towards the lower left, acting as an axis for a blue vertical wave labelled "electric field" and a red horizontal wave labelled "magnetic field". These waves are at right angle to each other. An arrow with heads at either end spans the length of the top of a vertical wave to the top of the next one.

This work by Piotr Fita is licensed under Creative Commons Zero v1.0 Universal

Spectra

Even though light often looks white, it is made up of lots of different colours all added together.

White light from the bottom left of the image travels upwards towards a glass prism in the centre. Some light is reflected, continuing to travel towards the centre top of the image. Most of the light leaves the prism and travels towards the bottom right of the image, now split into the different colours of the rainbow. — White light split into many colours by a prism

Classify a Star

Have you ever wondered why stars look different colours? What do these colours mean? How do we know what stars are made of? Explore these questions with our classify a star activity.

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Early Life

Ricardo was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His first degree in astronomy is from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Then in 1993, he got a master's degree from the Observatório Nacional in Brazil. Ricardo moved to the University of São Paulo, Brazil to work on a PhD. He was awarded his PhD in 1998.

Research Areas: Galaxy formation, Observational astronomy

"I consider myself extremely lucky to be where I am, do what I do, and to be surrounded by so many amazing people here in Liverpool."

Read more about Ricardo Schiavon

How is the Universe Expanding?

Read more about How is the Universe Expanding?

Create An Expanding Universe

You have likely heard about the Universe expanding. Or that redshift can tell us about the movements of galaxies. Both are difficult ideas to imagine and understand.

Read more about Create An Expanding Universe

Early Life

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