- #1
Endervhar
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I understand that light travels at “c” through any medium, and that the apparent slowing results from the absorption and re-emission of the photons by atoms in the medium.
If this is the case, why, for example, are astronomers able to see the emission/absorption spectra of distant stars? Why are these spectra not converted into the emission spectra of the atoms in the lenses of their telescopes?
NB. the use of stellar spectra is by way of an example. This is not a question about astronomy. :)
If this is the case, why, for example, are astronomers able to see the emission/absorption spectra of distant stars? Why are these spectra not converted into the emission spectra of the atoms in the lenses of their telescopes?
NB. the use of stellar spectra is by way of an example. This is not a question about astronomy. :)