The Sky at Different Wavelengths



The sky looks quite different when viewed at different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. The figure on the left shows an image of the sky in the direction of the center of our galaxy as observed in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Click on the figure to obtain a larger version and an explanation.



The figure on the right shows an image of the sky as observed in the gamma-ray portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Click on the image for an explanation and larger version. Here is another gamma-ray image of the sky, this time showing pulsars in the vicinity of the Crab Nebula.


Many objects emit X-Rays. The most important observations of X-Rays are probably for distant and violent objects, but even local objects like the sun and moon emit X-Rays. The adjacent image shows the Sun in the X-Ray band on an active day. Click on the image to get a larger version. Credit: Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) onboard the orbiting Yohkoh satellite




The adjacent image shows an ultraviolet image of M101 (the Pinwheel Galaxy). Click the image for a larger version. Here are corresponding visual images. Credit: NASA Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UIT).


[ Use the "Back" button to return ]