Astronomers' Tools

Introduction

Now that you are getting a picture of who helped get "Astronomy" started, let's take a look at the tools used in Astronomy. From viewing distant objects in space to viewing different types of light, these tools allow astronauts to learn more about the universe. Since sending astronauts into space takes time and money, it is important to learn about distant objects through the use of many different types of tools. Did you know that astronauts and other scientists can learn many things about an object just by analyzing the light that comes from those objects? As an astronaut, it is important to know about these tools and to know how to use them.

Essential Questions

What are the different types of telescopes and how do they help us learn about our universe?
What is spectroscopy and how does it help us study extrasolar objects?
What tools and technological advances have helped us make astronomical observations?

Key Terms

Astronomical Unit - the mean distance between the Earth and the Sun

Electromagnetic Spectrum - distribution of the range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation and their respective wavelengths and photon energies

Aperture - the diameter of the primary mirror, or objective lens of a telescope

Diffraction - when a wave bends as it travels through openings

Frequency - the number of vibrations per second

Magnification - the process of enlarging the apparent size of an object

Photon - a particle of electromagnetic radiation

Reflection - when a wave bounces off of a boundary between two mediums

Refract - when a wave bends as it passes from one medium to another

Resolution - the process of making the details and separate parts of on object clear and distinguishable

Spectroscope - a device that separates electromagnetic radiation into its component parts

Telescope - a device used to enlarge images of distant objects

Wavelength - the distance from one point on a wave to the same point on an adjacent wave

[CC BY 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION