How Do Scientists Know What Planets And Stars Are Made Of?

Ever wonder how scientists know what the other planets and stars are made of without ever having been to them? Well did you know that each of the elements have their own unique "fingerprint"? Learn how these "fingerprints" are studied and used to determine the composition of astronomical objects.

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[mbp]

2 things - 1. How do they know what a planets composition is when they can't see the planet? 2. How do they know the spectrum reflected from a planet is identical to spectrum they use to determine said spectrum? For example, if helium is yellow as determined here on earth, whose to say it's not reflected as green from another planet?

[kashishsheth]

Nicely explained! I am really disappointed by the low views on such an incredible beginner video! I mean curiosity is dying in people.

[reeceizzard]

This question has baffled me for years and it's incredibly satisfying to finally have an answer, thank you.

[pecosRB]

Years ago I wondered this and read about the method. It totally blew my mind that scientists could do that for so long. Nicely explained! It still amazes me that mankind can tell what a planet is made of from millions and millions of miles away.

[VivekSinhathegreat]

Not sure if this is all. The thumbprint you talk about could be the atmosphere, how do they determine what's under that thick layer of gas. To call it a gas gaseous planet one has to be look deeper down.

[roam]

How this method works to determine composition of the core?

[Ashley-vbsg]

this man needs more viewers and subs. great video

[rolandlee]

how do scientists account for the Doppler effect when using spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of other stars?

[ronnieinreverse]

This video was absolutely great. Thank you

[paola]

what about a star that is too far away does the doppler effect, affects the emission spectrums?

[richie]

Thank you! You literally saved my project

[Joshuaxiong]

What about below the liquid on planet that are liquid only?

[bhargawgaikwad]

is gravity is a force or just nature of space time web ? As its unification failed so many times.what do you think?

[Buttergirla]

this guy's channel is AWESOME!! THANKS SO MUCH! This has really answered my questions Thai have pondered on for a long time

[mbeard]

Do they use this method on planets outside of our solar system?

[phoenix]

How did they have the technology to observe and know helium was on the sun in the 1800s? A regular old telescope?

[Bambino_]

I’m curious if they ever wondered if the entire periodic table isn’t all on earth so they could actually be wrong about the composition of a planet.

[christophersparks]

can you detect molecules w/ laser beam???? please answer :) :)

[AdA-rleo]

So how are they determining what a planets core is made of?

[SuperSsameer]

Thanks alot brother. You made everything so simple.