Home > Encyclopedia of Science > Infrared Astronomy

• Electromagnetic spectrum
• Infrared telescopes
• Words to Know
• Discoveries with infrared telescopes

Infrared astronomy involves the use of special telescopes that detect electromagnetic radiation (radiation that transmits energy through the inter-action of electricity and magnetism) at infrared wavelengths. The recent development of this technology has led to the discovery of many new stars, galaxies, asteroids, and quasars.

Electromagnetic spectrum

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation. The different colors of light that our eyes can detect correspond to different wavelengths of light. Red light has the longest wavelength; violet has the shortest. Orange, yellow, green, blue, and indigo...