Tools of Astronomy

Electromagnetic Radiation

• Light travels as an “Electromagnetic” Wave• The light you see is called Visible Light• Speed of light: 186,000 Miles/Second• Spectrum: the different colors and wavelengths

of light.

Electromagnetic Spectrum(Energy Spectrum)

Infrared Ultraviolet

_____________ visible light_____________

Long waves ROY G BIV Short waves (infrared wavelengths) (Visible) ( Ultraviolet

Wavelength)

Spectroscope• Splits light – into it’s “Colors”

• Identifies:

1. Elements that make up a Star

2. Star Temperature

Prism: triangular piece of glass that splits up

light.

Types of Telescopes

• Optical: gathers visible light

• Radio: gathers invisible energy

• Optical: use lenses and mirrors

collects and focuses light.

• Refracting Telescopes: Use lenses

• Reflecting Telescopes: Use Mirrors

Curved Mirrors

Example: Hubble space telescope

The largest telescopes are Reflecting

Hans Lippershey

• Invented the Telescope

Galileo

• First person to use a telescope to observe objects in the night sky.

Radio Telescopes

• Gathers invisible radio energy

Collects and focuses energy