Viewing the Universe with Infrared Eyes: The Spitzer Space Telescope
Dr. Giovanni Fazio, from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory discusses the Spitzer Space Telescope. Launched on 25 August 2003, the telescope is producing an exciting new view of the Universe seen in infrared light. Spitzer is the fourth and final space telescope in NASA's Great Observatory series. It consists of an 85-cm telescope and three highly sensitive instruments capable of observing infrared light that allows astronomers to view regions of space invisible to optical telescopes. Spitzer's scientific results include the study of the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early Universe, understanding energy sources in ultraluminous galaxies, the study of star formation and evolution, observations of exoplanets and their atmospheres, and determining the structure and evolution of planetary disks around nearby stars. After a brief description of the Spitzer mission, results from Spitzer's extragalactic and galactic observational programs will be presented, showing many of Spitzers very spectacular images.
| Viewing the Universe with Infrared Eyes: The Spitzer Space Telescope |
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