A spectroscope is an instrument used to analyze the light emitted or absorbed by materials. It separates light into its component colors, creating a spectrum that reveals information about the material's composition. By examining this spectrum, scientists can identify elements and compounds based on their unique spectral lines. Spectroscopes are widely used in various fields, including astronomy, chemistry, and physics. In astronomy, they help analyze the light from stars and galaxies, providing insights into their chemical makeup and distance. In laboratories, they assist in identifying substances and studying their properties through techniques like spectroscopy.