The Multiwavelength Universe
The light we see with our eyes only tells a small part of the Universe's story. To get a complete picture of how the Universe works, astronomers must study objects over the full range of light, the electromagnetic spectrum. This includes gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, microwaves and radio waves. Each type of light requires different instruments, and provides unique information about the source that emitted it. Dr. John Mulchaey will explain how Carnegie astronomers and their colleagues are combining observations across the electromagnetic spectrum to help solve the mysteries of the Universe.
| The Multiwavelength Universe |
| Related Links |
| 100 Greatest Discoveries - Astronomy The Center of the Milky Way Emits Radio Waves. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation. Gamma-Ray Bursts. Planets Around Other Stars. ... |
| Tour of Electromagnetic Spectrum The electromagnetic spectrum extends from below the low frequencies used for modern radio communication to gamma radiation at the short-wavelength (high-frequency) end. |
| The Cosmos: A Beginner's Guide This is a BBC documentary series presented by Adam Hart-Davis, offering an introductory look at the world beyond us. |
| Large Telescopes and Why We Need Them Beyond the Solar System, all astronomers have to work with is the light that falls to the Earth from distant cosmic objects. Newer, larger telescopes are always needed to boost scientific progress. |
| Mapping the Milky Way Dr. Thomas Dame explains how radio telescopes reveal the invisible, why mapping the structure of our own galaxy is so difficult, and how the famous discoveries of this project were made. |
| X-ray Astrophysics - The High-Energy Cosmos X-radiation is only emitted by the hottest and most energetic parts of the Universe - sites of gigantic explosions, plasma heated to millions of degrees, and where there are intense magnetic or gravitational fields. |
| Soft X-rays and Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation This course covers topics: electromagnetics at short wavelengths, particularly soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet radiation, X-ray optics, the generation of coherent radiation at EUV and soft X-ray wavelengths, and applications to microscopy and lithography. |
| Frontiers and Controversies in Astrophysics This course focuses on three particularly interesting areas of astronomy that are advancing very rapidly: Extra-Solar Planets, Black Holes, and Dark Energy. |