Astronomers use telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes to make observations and collect data about objects inside the solar system and outside the solar system. These tools and the associated technology that allow astronomers to analyze and interpret the data help scientists learn about the Solar system and about the Universe.
It takes more than one kind of telescope to see the Universe!
By studying the electromagnetic emissions of objects such as stars, galaxies, and black holes, astronomers hope to come to a better understanding of the Universe. Most telescopes are only designed to detect a particular portion of the electromagnetic spectrum such as visible light or radio waves. Therefore, astronomers often use images from several different types of telescopes to study outer-space phenomena.
Shown below is the Milky Way Galaxy as seen by radio, infrared, optical, X-ray and gamma-ray telescopes.
Optical Telescopes
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Radio Telescopes
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Other Telescopes
- Other telescopes “read” infrared or x-ray signals but have to be placed where Earth’s atmosphere does not block or absorb the signals.
Video Guide:
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Bonus Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
There are many different telescopes. All of which collect electromagnetic radiation from all parts of the electromagnetic spectrum transmitted to Earth from space including visible light, radio waves, x-rays, microwaves and much more.
Most of the Universe is invisible to us because we only see the visible light portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. By studying the electromagnetic emissions of objects such as stars, galaxies, and black holes, astronomers hope to come to a better understanding of the universe. Although many astronomical puzzles can only be solved by comparing images of different wavelengths, telescopes are only designed to detect a particular portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.