Astronomy 123 Basics  

SPECTRAL ANALYSIS - CHEMICAL ID 

Each chemical element produces its own unique set of spectral lines. These spectral lines serve as a "fingerprint" - revealing the elements from which they are emitted. A spectrograph is an optical device that records a spectrum. 



Old fashioned spectrograph

Modern Device


The emission spectra of some well known elements.

The visible spectrum of the Sun.

The emission and absorption lines of Sodium.




From the observed spectrum (analyzed with a spectrograph) we can determine the chemical elements involved.



return to list of basics