How is visible light used in astronomy?

Optical telescopes There are three main types of telescopes used in visible-light astronomy: Refracting telescopes, which use lenses to form the image. Commonly used by amateur astronomers, especially for viewing brighter objects such as the Moon, and planets, due to lower cost and ease of usage.

Are radio waves and light waves the same?

Both radio waves and light are electromagnetic waves; their main difference is their frequency. Radio waves are created by the acceleration of electrons in a radio antenna, and light waves are created by the oscillations of the electrons within atoms.

Are radio waves visible?

In fact, most of the light in the universe is invisible to our eyes. Other types of light include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays — all of which are imperceptible to human eyes.

How visible light is related to the electromagnetic spectrum?

Visible light is a form of electromagnetic (EM) radiation, as are radio waves, infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays and microwaves. Generally, visible light is defined as the wavelengths that are visible to most human eyes. This broad range of wavelengths is known as the electromagnetic spectrum.

What is the value of radio astronomy?

The value of radio and infrared astronomy is partly based on the fact that light at these wavelengths can travel through cosmic clouds of gas and dust without being absorbed. That means astronomers can observe phenomena in our Galaxy and in other galaxies that otherwise would be hidden from view at optical and shorter wavelengths.

What is the history of high energy X-rays and gamma rays?

Studies of astronomical objects in high energy X-rays and gamma rays began in the early 1960s. Although high altitude balloons and rockets can provide X-ray and gamma ray data, the best results come from satellites orbiting completely outside the Earth’s atmosphere. NASA’s first X-ray telescope was launched from Kenya on Dec. 12, 1970.

What is the value of X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy?

The value of X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy is based on the fact that some of the most energetic sources in the cosmos radiate at these wavelengths.

How do astronomers use telescopes to study the universe?

Astronomers use a number of telescopes sensitive to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to study objects in space. Even though all light is fundamentally the same thing, the way that astronomers observe light depends on the portion of the spectrum they wish to study.