Astronomy Cast Ep.139: Energy Levels & Spectra

From May 25, 2009. Last week (May 18, 2009) we took a peek into the tiny world of quantum mechanics, and its unintuitive, but very accurate mathematical predictions. And although we all appreciate the physics lesson, you're probably wondering what this all has to do with astronomy. Well, today we bring it all home and explain how quantum mechanics has given astronomers one of the most powerful tools they have to study the nature of the cosmos. Spectra — an excellent overview by James B. Kaler Doppler Shift — UCLA Continuum Radiation — Physics Myths The sun is green! From The Color of the Sun — Scientific Blogging Blackbody radiation — GSU Elemental composition of the Sun — About.com Deuterium — Wiki Grism is a combination of a prism and grating to create a dispersed spectrum. Spectroscopy and Astronomy — UCLA Slit Spectroscopy — Gemini Telescope Balmer Series — Internet Encyclopedia of Science Hydrogen Alpha Explained — Solar Observing (H-alpha spectral line is at 656.3 nanometers) Using Laser Combs to Find Exoplanets – – Universe Today Hydrogen Spin Flip Transition — Wolfram Zeeman Spectral Line Splitting — NOAO [These are very old links, so some may be dead… Rich] We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click !) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org .

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Astronomy Cast Ep.139: Energy Levels & Spectra is an episode from The 365 Days of Astronomy, the daily podcast of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 by 365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

This episode is 28:07 long.

This episode was published on May 25, 2026.

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