Essential Question

How do astronomers use the electromagnetic spectrum to study the universe?

Electromagnetic SpectrumThe range of radiant (light) energy

arranged in order of wavelength and frequency

WavelengthThe distance between to crests

of a wave

FrequencyA count of the number of crests that pass a

point in a given amount of timeHigh frequency = high energy

Radio WavesTransmitted by a

radio stationAstronomers use

them to study what stars are made of, their structure and movement

MicrowavesUsed to cook your foodUsed to learn about galaxiesUsed to learn about stars that are behind

clouds of dust

Infrared WavesUsed by astronomers to

map dust between starsThere are 2 types:

○ 1 comes from the heat from the sun

○ 1 is used in any device that has a remote control

Visible LightRainbows show

the different wavelengths of light

We are able to see colors of stars which gives us a clue about their temperature

Helps us understand the Red Shift and Blue Shift

Ultraviolet RaysNewly formed stars

give off UV raysUsed to learn about

the structure and how galaxies change

Causes you to get sunburned

X-Ray WaveBlack holes give off X-Ray wavesUsed in hospitals and doctors offices

Gamma RaysGiven off from any explosion like a

supernova or a black holeAstronomers use them to gain knowledge

of how our universe began and how fast it is expanding

Radio Waves: The Sun

X-Ray: Andromeda Galaxy

Infrared: Constellation Orion