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Gamma rays

The shortest wavelengths collected from space objects are gamma rays. Space telescopes such as the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, which recorded these rays for nine years, work in a unique way. Gamma rays cannot be brought to a focus like other wavelengths because they pass through most materials. Telescopes collecting them use detectors stacked on top of one another, which measure the way that the gamma rays pass through.

Tell me morę: energy from space

Why are there

telescopes in space?

Telescopes collect light and other forms of energy from stars and galaxies. The energy travels in wavelengths, but EartlYs atmosphere stops some of these from reaching our planefs surface. Telescopes located in space are able to collect the fuli rangę of wavelengths and give us a morę complete view of the universe. They can also be used 24 hours a day.

I don t I believe it ■

The Chandra X-ray Observatory orbits Earth morę than one third of the way to the Moon—200 times morę distant than the Hubble Space Telescope.

It needs two kilowatts of power to work—that’s about the same as a hairdryer!

The wavelengths of energy are of specific length and have their own names. Short wavelengths such as x-rays cannot travel through EartlYs atmosphere. Radio wavelengths, which are longer, pass readily to EartlYs surface.

Spitzer: Has been observing the infrared universe sińce 2003

Radio telescope:

Radio waves are collected by Earth-based radio telescopes

Chandra:

Collects x-rays from space objects

X-rays

Spiral galaxy M81 seen at x-ray wavelengths, which are emitted by materiał heated around 1.8 million °F (1 million °C).

Ultraviolet rays

Bright, hot newly formed stars in M81 give off ultraviolet energy. The stars are located within the galaxy’s spiral arms.

Optical wavelengths

This is how M81 looks in light wavelengths and to the human eye. It has a bright nucleus and spiral arms of stars and dust.

Infrared rays

Dust warmed by bright, young stars shines brightly at infrared wavelengths. Clumps in M81 ’s arms are where stars are bom.

Radio waves

False colors show the radio wave strength from hydrogen gas in M81. Red shows strong emission, and blue indicates weaker.

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