Understanding Astronomy

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R.O.Y. G. B.I.V

spectrum

Slide 13

Analyzing The Properties of Light

Visible Light is but one part of the entire electromagnetic (EM) spectrum.

EM Spectrum includes all kinds of light

radio waves (all light moves at the same speed -

micro waves light speed)

infrared light

visible light

ultra violet light (some light photons have

x rays shorter wavelengths

gamma rays and more energy than others)

Slide 14

Visible light is only one type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by stars

Each type of EM radiation travels at exactly the same speed - the speed of light!

Slide 15

Not all EM radiation can penetrate Earth’s atmosphere.

Slide 16

Astronomers use different instruments to look at light of different wavelengths - sometimes, we even have to go above Earth’s atmosphere.

Slide 17

SOFIA - the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

Slide 18

Observations at other wavelengths are revealing previously invisible sights

UV

Ordinary visible

infrared

Map of Orion region

Slide 19

Consider Orion in Different Wavelengths of Light!

Slide 20

Slide 21

Hubble Space Telescope Views of Orion Nebula showing stars hidden in clouds

Slide 22

TODAY’S Sun as seen in visible light from Earth and from space in X-rays by satellites

Slide 23

Observations at wavelengths other than visible light are revealing previously invisible sights

Visible light image

radio wavelength image

Slide 24

High Energy Gamma Rays - Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) Satellite

Slide 25

The Sky’s emission of Gamma Rays

Slide 26

But, we receive GRBs from every direction !!