Image

Infrared telescope

Infrared image of the Milky Way imaged by Spitzer.

Part of spectrum viewed: Infrared (wavelengths longer than visible light).

Location: In orbit, as most infrared is blocked by the atmosphere.

Sources of radiation:

  • Stars give off infrared as well as visible light.

  • Cool stars give off more infrared than visible light.

  • Dust that has been heated gives off infrared.

  • Infrared can pass through dust clouds.

Image: The Milky Way imaged by Spitzer. This infrared image shows what cannot be seen in visible light – cooler stars (blue), heated dust (reddish hue) and Sagittarius A-Star as a bright white spot in the middle. Image by NASA/JPL-Caltech/S. Stolovy (Spitzer Science Center/Caltech) and released into the public domain.

Rights: Public domain
Published:18 February 2021Size: 9.26 MB