It is essential for students to know that astronomers use telescopes, satellites, space probes, and spectroscopes to make observations and collect data about objects in the solar system and outside of the solar system. These tools and the associated technology that allow astronomers to analyze and interpret the data help scientists learn about the solar system and about the universe.
Telescopes
Refracting and reflecting optical telescopes collect visible light, then use convex lenses or mirrors to focus the light producing larger, brighter images of distant objects in space.
Radio telescopes
receive radio waves emitted from objects in space, including waves from very distant stars and galaxies; it can receive information in any weather and during day or night.
Other telescopes “read” infrared or x-ray signals but have to be placed where Earth’s atmosphere does not block or absorb the signals.
Satellites
Satellites are placed in orbit around Earth with special instruments and telescopes that collect information from space which is sent back to Earth where it is interpreted. Data gathered from satellites are not hampered by Earth’s atmosphere.
Space probes
Space probes contain instruments to collect data and travel out of Earth’s orbit to explore places that would be too dangerous for astronomers; the instruments that a probe contains depends upon the space mission.
Spectroscopes
Spectroscopes collect the light from distant stars and separate that light into bands of different colors; by studying these bands, astronomers identify the elements in a star.
Telescopes
Refracting and reflecting optical telescopes collect visible light, then use convex lenses or mirrors to focus the light producing larger, brighter images of distant objects in space.
Radio telescopes
receive radio waves emitted from objects in space, including waves from very distant stars and galaxies; it can receive information in any weather and during day or night.
Other telescopes “read” infrared or x-ray signals but have to be placed where Earth’s atmosphere does not block or absorb the signals.
Satellites
Satellites are placed in orbit around Earth with special instruments and telescopes that collect information from space which is sent back to Earth where it is interpreted. Data gathered from satellites are not hampered by Earth’s atmosphere.
Space probes
Space probes contain instruments to collect data and travel out of Earth’s orbit to explore places that would be too dangerous for astronomers; the instruments that a probe contains depends upon the space mission.
Spectroscopes
Spectroscopes collect the light from distant stars and separate that light into bands of different colors; by studying these bands, astronomers identify the elements in a star.