Here is a preview of some components of the exhibit developed by the FUSE Public Outreach and Education Program in partnership with the Maryland Science Center. FUSE is a NASA project managed by a University Institute, the JHU's Center for Astrophysical Sciences. To explain this, hands-on interactive exhibitry exploring the electromagnetic spectrum and relating abstract scientific concepts to everyday experiences is being created.
Astronomers identify the presence of elements millions of light years away by their spectra.
Each element creates a unique spectrum similar to how each individual person has a unique fingerprint. Aboard FUSE, a spectrograph will divide incoming light into its component wavelengths, creating a spectral portrait of the astronomical object emitting or absorbing that light. We helped the MSC to design activities which will allow you to understand spectroscopy, superficially read spectra, and see how spectra can tell scientists the chemical make- up, physical conditions, and speed of an object travelling across the Universe. You will gain an awareness of the technique of spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool. You will learn how studies at different wavelengths yield different and complementary information about astronomical objects.