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Overhead Spectroscopy data | hook | main | background & resources | student Background Global and astronomical research is enhanced through the use of instruments that utilize various areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. Tools such as infrared telescopes, infrared interferometers, spectrophotometers, and radio telescopes are only a few of the instruments that use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to enhance our understanding of the environment and the universe. One type of instrument used at Antarctica to study the atmosphere is an infrared spectrometer. Infrared radiation has a range of wavelengths from 2.5 mm to 50 mm. An infrared spectrometer measures the wavelengths of infrared radiation that is absorbed or emitted by a chemical compound. Different chemical bond types absorb or emit infrared radiation at different wavelengths, and this pattern of absorption or emission appears as bands or peaks that are unique for each compound. Antarctica is an ideal place to conduct these types of measurements because the atmosphere is relatively dry, cold. and free of man-made contaminants. Ongoing research at Antarctica utilizes many aspects of the electromagnetic spectrum. The following is an excerpt from a TEA (Teachers Experiencing Antarctica) from the TEA website: ../../tea_wygodafrontpage.html "I was a member of a team researching the ozone hole over Antarctica. Atmospheric components involved in the chemical destruction of ozone absorb and emit infrared radiation. They can be studied using remote sensing instruments (Michelson interferometers) that detect infrared wavelengths. Remote sensing is the use of electromagnetic radiation to collect information about an area without actually visiting it. The Michelson interferometers used in this study are being operated at two Antarctic sites. They can measure many industrial compounds involved in ozone destruction, such as chlorine and bromine compounds (including CFC's) as well as nitrogen oxides. CFC’s are employed in refrigeration systems and aerosols, among other uses. Nitrogen oxides produced by combustion and are emitted by aircraft. The presence of these components in the atmosphere will be measured throughout the year, and special attention will be paid to the conditions leading up to the development of the annual ozone hole." Resources and Reference Materials Propagation Direction of Electromagnetic Radiation http://www.scimedia.com/chem-ed/light/graphics/em-rad.jpg Arizona State University - Department of Physics and Astronomy http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/act?activities.shtml Brian Tissue spectroscopy tutorial http://www.scimedia.com/index.html#scimedia Color http://mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/colorsymp.htm#Woolf_paper. Mrs. Linda Wygoda’s webpage at the Glacier website: ../../tea_wygodafrontpage.html Back to: TEA Activities Page |
