Seeing the Universe

X-rays help us study black holes resulting from the death of stars, but what exactly are x-rays, and how does an x-ray telescope help us explore the Universe?

Launched in 1999, the Chandra X-ray Telescope is the 3rd of what NASA calls its "great observatories"... and the first dedicated to studying the X-ray Universe.

Chandra X-ray Observatory

First of the great observatories to launch was the "Hubble Space Telescope"... imaging stars and galaxies in visible light as well as ultraviolet and infrared.

Space Telescope Science Institute

 

Second to reach orbit was the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory... returning amazing data about some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe.

Compton Gamma Ray Observatory

3 space telescopes each specialising in different regions of the the electromagnetic spectrum...

What is this "spectrum"? And why do we need telescopes with different capabilities?

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Imagine the Universe
An introduction on the electromagnetic spectrum including why we need to go into space to see the entire spectrum.

Electromagnetic Spectrum
This site explains each type of electromagnetic radiation, its uses and the dangers from too much exposure to the radiation.

Interactive Multimedia Adventures for Grade-school Education Using Remote Sensing (IMAGERS)
A simple explanation of electromagnetic radiation including each type of radiation, how we "see" using that type of radiation and what that type of radiation shows us.

NASA's Observatorium
An introduction to the electromagnetic spectrum.

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