Draper

Definition

Henry Draper was a pioneering American astronomer known for his early use of stellar spectroscopy. He produced the first photograph of a stellar spectrum, which marked a significant advancement in understanding star composition and classification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Henry Draper created the first photograph of a stellar spectrum in 1872.
2. His work laid the foundation for the Henry Draper Catalogue, which classifies stars based on their spectra.
3. Draper's photographic techniques allowed for more precise and extensive recording of stellar spectra compared to previous visual methods.
4. The Henry Draper Medal is awarded by the National Academy of Sciences for contributions to astrophysics, honoring Draper's legacy.
5. He was one of the first to suggest that spectral lines could be used to determine the chemical composition of stars.

Review Questions

• What significant contribution did Henry Draper make to astronomy?
• How did Henry Draper's work influence modern stellar classification?
• What honor is named after Henry Draper and given for contributions to astrophysics?

Related terms

Spectroscopy: A technique used to measure light that is emitted, absorbed, or scattered by materials and is key in determining the composition of stars.

Henry Draper Catalogue: A star catalog that classifies stars by their spectra, initiated from Henry Draper's pioneering work.

Stellar Spectrum: The range of electromagnetic radiation emitted or absorbed by a star, crucial for understanding its properties.