Capturing a distant planet's light

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In summary: Basically, by measuring the distortion of a star's light as it passes through a planet's atmosphere, you can determine the composition of that atmosphere.This is something that has been done for the planets in our own solar system, but it is much more difficult to do for exoplanets, which are much further away from the star and usually much dimmer.However, by measuring the distortion of a star's light as it passes through a planet's atmosphere, you can determine the composition of that atmosphere.This is something that has been done for the planets in our own solar system, but it is much more difficult to do for exoplanets, which are much further away from the star and usually much dim
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but astronomers can tell a planet's materials by the light that reflects back? If that is the case for really far out planets like the ones that are Earth like, how can you be sure you're getting only the light from that planet into your device when I'm sure light is bouncing in from everywhere else.
 
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Greg Bernhardt said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but astronomers can tell a planet's materials by the light that reflects back?
Theoretically yes, but that is a very challenging approach for exoplanets (it is trivial for the bright and well-isolated planets in the solar system): The star is nearby and much brighter. Most spectroscopic data comes from transit planets: if they pass through our line of sight, the atmosphere absorbs some wavelengths, that produces a notable dip in the spectrum. No other object can lead to such a dip at the right time.

For a few large planets in large orbits direct imaging is possible: you study it like you would study a star.

In all cases, you need a good telescope to get light only from the target direction.
 
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Hey Greg! Here's a neat video on how a coronograph helps us directly image exoplanets and see their spectrum.

 
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Drakkith said:
Hey Greg! Here's a neat video on how a coronograph helps us directly image exoplanets and see their spectrum.

Thanks for that mate ... some new processing technology for me :)
 
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On Thursday I attended the first half of a lecture on the optical technologies required to explore the Alpha Centauri system by Dr. Eduardo Bendek, whose "dissertation work resulted in the world’s first demonstration of Multi-Laser Ground Layer Adaptive Optics system", to quote the e-mail that was sent out announcing the lecture. He showed that video that I linked and explained how it worked. I enjoyed the lecture, but, unfortunately, I had to leave early to get in some homework that was due the next morning. That was then pushed back to midnight the next day after I had busted my butt completing it before Thursday ended...

I wish I could have stayed. He had just gotten into the meat of the lecture when I left. :frown:
 
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There's been a plethora of videos, both public lectures and specialist colloquiums, on using adaptive optics and other techniques, popping up on youtube recently. Just search of 'exoplanet atmospheres'.
 

Related to Capturing a distant planet's light

1. How do scientists capture light from distant planets?

Scientists use telescopes to capture light from distant planets. These telescopes are equipped with highly sensitive detectors that can detect even the faintest light signals from distant objects. The captured light is then analyzed and processed to gather information about the distant planet.

2. What types of telescopes are used to capture light from distant planets?

There are various types of telescopes used for capturing light from distant planets, including optical telescopes, radio telescopes, and infrared telescopes. Each type has its own advantages and can capture different wavelengths of light, providing valuable insights into the distant planet.

3. Can scientists capture light from all distant planets?

No, it is not possible to capture light from all distant planets. The distance between Earth and the distant planet, as well as the planet's size and composition, play a crucial role in determining whether its light can be captured or not.

4. How long does it take for light from a distant planet to reach Earth?

The time it takes for light from a distant planet to reach Earth varies depending on the distance between the two planets. Some light can reach Earth in a matter of minutes, while for others, it can take years or even centuries to reach us.

5. Can scientists capture light from exoplanets?

Yes, scientists can capture light from exoplanets, which are planets orbiting other stars besides our sun. This is made possible by using advanced techniques and technologies, such as the transit method and radial velocity method, to detect the light signals coming from these distant worlds.

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