Seeing the Universe

But why do we have to go to space to do X-ray Astronomy?

Because Earth's atmosphere blocks the shortest wavelength light-x-rays and gamma rays-almost completely.

And water-whether visible in clouds or just present as vapor-interferes with observations at every other wavelength apart from radio...

 

But up in space-even if it's more challenging and expensive-we're able to look out at the Universe with unimpeded vision.

 

That's why NASA and its international partners invest in space telescopes like Hubble, Compton and Chandra... and the images they've returned have been phenomenal.

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Electromagnetic Spectrum
The electromagnetic spectrum explained in simple terms using real-life examples.

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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