Spectra

Society Meeting

Thursday, 12th March 2020 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: swmcmeet

Spectroscopy

BARCODES FOUND IN SPACE, WE’RE ALL STARDUST, possible headlines showing the power of the spectroscope.

Spectroscopy is a way of interrogating the spectrum of ‘colours’ of light from astronomical objects, uncovering the fingerprints of chemicals found on Earth.

In tonight’s talk we’ll look at this powerful tool by which science can infer facts about objects we couldn’t hope to visit and measure directly; objects that may have already disappeared from the Universe.

Speaker: Ed Bothamley

Ed Bothamley has been a member of MSAS for about a year.  He has reignited an interest in astronomy that began one teenage night in the 80s when he wondered why ‘The Plough’ had moved.  He went on to study astrophysics at Manchester University but transferred to mechanical engineering when he realised he didn’t understand Einstein.  After graduating he worked for a local sweet manufacturer and then as a Science Teacher but now works as a sales engineer.