A Model Molecule and its Spectrum

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A Model Molecule and its Spectrum

Much of the work of radio astronomy is detection of the wiggling of molecules. This is the weakest of all energies traveling through space, and yet it tells us incredible details about so many different environments in our Solar System, Galaxy, and other galaxies. A model of a molecule (shown here 500 million times larger than life) spins in a very specific manner, making radio waves as it does. On the screen are the signals we receive when that molecule spins in space.

Credit: B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF)

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
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A Model Molecule and its Spectrum

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