Activity-Detecting Infrared Light: The Herschel Experiment

In this outdoors activity, the participants use glass prisms and thermometers to detect infrared energy just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum. This experiment is similar to the one the famous astronomer Sir Frederick William Herschel originally used to discover infrared light in 1800. Ages: middle and high school grade levels. Logistics: must be done outside, needs a sunny day, works best close to noon.

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