September 18, 2022
The study of how light or the electromagnetic spectrum interacts with matter is called spectroscopy. Most wavelengths of light are not visible to humans so we must build instruments to detect these “invisible” wavelengths. Some examples are radio or infrared waves. By looking at the same object with different wavelengths, it is possible to learn new things that may have otherwise been hidden.
If you would like to learn more about radio astronomy visit https://public.nrao.edu/radio-astronomy/the-science-of-radio-astronomy/
A series of images of the Whirlpool Galaxy in different wavelengths of light. (a) Visible light, (b) combines blue and green visible light with infrared (bright red), (c) combines three wavelengths of infrared – 3.6 microns, 4.5 microns, and 8 microns, (d) longer wavelengths of infrared – up to 24 microns. Image credit: NASA JPL/Kitt Peak/Spitzer/SINGS
