The rise of computational images: The role of star-targeting spectroscopy

Abstract

This article examines the pivotal role of Angelo Secchi’s stellar spec-troscopy in anticipating computational imaging, underscoring its historical significance and impact on contemporary visualisation techniques. By analysing the shift from visual to invisual cultures, the study illustrates how 19th century spectroscopic practices laid es-sential foundations for modern datafication and image analysis. The discussion addresses methodological innovations, including Secchi’s spectral taxonomy, pattern recognition, and the establishment of a comprehensive spectroscopic data archive based on remote sensing, emphasising spectroscopy’s transition from qualitative representa-tion to invisual, data-centric imaging.