Slide 10
Stars
Infrared galaxies
Clouds of particles around stars
Nebulae
Interstellar molecules
Brown dwarfs
Planets
Slide 11
Some bodies of matter in space are hidden behind huge clouds of dust particles or gas.
These include the centers of galaxies and clouds containing forming stars and planets.
Infrared telescopes allow scientists to view these regions much more easily
Slide 12
The Universe is constantly expanding
Because of this, most of the radiation emitted from distant stars is in the infrared spectrum.
Our views of these distant bodies of matter in space actually show us how they looked a long, long time ago.
Slide 13
To gain a greater knowledge about bodies of matter in space, we need information about all of the different forms of radiation that they emit.
Slide 14
Airborne Observatory
Reduces Atmospheric Interference
Will begin observing in 2005
Slide 15
SOFIA
747SP Aircraft
2.5 meter reflector
Largest telescope put in an aircraft
Slide 16
Earth-based
Largest infrared telescope
Located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii
3.8 meter reflector
A lot of atmospheric interference
Slide 17
Largest infrared telescope in space
No atmospheric interference
.85 m reflector
Cryogenically cooled so not to interfere with signals
Slide 18
Infrared is mostly heat waves, Spitzer is cool so its own heat does not interfere with signals
1.4 degrees kelvin
Slide 19
Spitzer Images
Slide 20