About Telescopes
Telescopes collect light and other electromagnetic radiation from distant objects. Putting observatories above Earth's atmosphere can give astronomers sharper views and access to wavelengths that the atmosphere blocks.
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Different Kinds of Light
Visible light is only a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Learn MoreHubble Space Telescope
Hubble has observed the universe from low Earth orbit since 1990.
Learn MoreJames Webb Space Telescope
Webb is a large infrared observatory operating far beyond low Earth orbit.
Learn MoreInfrared Astronomy
Infrared light is especially useful for studying cool objects and dusty regions.
Learn MoreX-ray Telescopes
X-ray observatories study some of the hottest and most energetic places in space.
Learn MoreHow Space Images Are Made
Many astronomy images combine several exposures or wavelengths.
Learn MoreSpectroscopy
Telescopes can split light into a spectrum to learn what objects are made of.
Learn MoreFuture Observatories
New telescopes are designed to answer questions that current instruments cannot.
Learn MoreDifferent Kinds of Light
Astronomers observe radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays. Different wavelengths reveal different temperatures, materials, and physical processes.
Hubble Space Telescope
Hubble studies visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared light. Its images transformed astronomy, from measuring the expansion of the universe to studying planets, galaxies, nebulae, and distant supernovae.
James Webb Space Telescope
Webb uses a segmented primary mirror and a large sunshield. Infrared observations help it look through dust, study star and planet formation, examine exoplanet atmospheres, and detect extremely distant galaxies.
Infrared Astronomy
Dust can block visible light while infrared wavelengths pass through more easily. This lets astronomers see young stars inside clouds and observe objects too cool to shine strongly in visible light.
X-ray Telescopes
Earth's atmosphere blocks most cosmic X-rays, which protects life but means X-ray telescopes must operate above much of the atmosphere. They can study black-hole environments, neutron stars, hot gas in galaxy clusters, and supernova remnants.
How Space Images Are Made
Scientific cameras often record light through filters or at wavelengths humans cannot see directly. Teams assign colors, combine exposures, correct detector effects, and create images that reveal useful structures while preserving the underlying measurements.
Spectroscopy
Atoms and molecules leave characteristic patterns in light. Spectra can reveal chemical composition, temperature, density, magnetic fields, and motion. Spectroscopy is one of astronomy's most powerful tools.
Future Observatories
Future space observatories may study Earth-like exoplanets, black holes, galaxy evolution, dark energy, and the earliest eras of cosmic history. Telescope design continues to improve mirrors, detectors, cooling, optics, and data processing.