Spectroscopic Study of Solar System Bodies in Optical Wavelengths

Graduate Thesis uoadl:2810587 240 Read counter

Unit:
Department of Physics
Library of the School of Science
Deposit date:
2018-10-15
Year:
2018
Author:
Konstantinou Anna
Supervisors info:
Κοσμάς Γαζέας, Λέκτορας, Τμήμα Φυσικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Φασματοσκοπική Μελέτη Σωμάτων του Ηλιακού Συστήματος στα Ορατά Μήκη Κύματος
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
Spectroscopic Study of Solar System Bodies in Optical Wavelengths
Summary:
Spectroscopy is an important science for Astrophysics and the exploration of the Solar System. Spectroscopic study of the planets provides information on the chemical composition of the atmospheres of celestial bodies, on atmospheric conditions such as pressure and winds, but also on their radial velocity.
In this work, the spectra of the Moon and six planets of the Solar System were taken and processed in three separate regions in the optical region of electromagnetic spectrum. The ultimate goal of the present study is the detection of molecular compounds in planetary atmospheres in comparison to the spectra of rocky objects without atmosphere. The detection of organic molecules is particularly important for the existence and preservation of life.
The results, extracted from spectroscopic observations conducted at the University of Athens Observatory, are compared to those obtained from space missions or other terrestrial and satellite observatories. Our results are in full agreement with past studies. In addition, the similarities between the planetary and lunar spectra are defined, as well as the characteristic absorption signatures that differentiate them. For example, ammonia and methane bands in Uranus and Neptune confirm significantly high abundance of molecules in gaseous planets.
The methodology followed in the present study is related to the detection of atmospheres in exoplanets, which is currently conducted from ground based observatories.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
spectroscopy, spectrum, Solar System, molecular compounds, planets, exoplanets
Index:
Yes
Number of index pages:
1
Contains images:
Yes
Number of references:
74
Number of pages:
59
Πτυχιακή εργασία_Κωνσταντίνου Άννα_Φυσικό.pdf (4 MB) Open in new window