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 chemistry, astronomy, and physics. For example, astronomers use them to study the light from stars and galaxies, helping to determine their chemical makeup and distance from Earth. This technique is essential for understanding the universe and the properties of celestial bodies.