Nora is working in a chemistry lab and is given an unknown gas mixture to analyze. She uses a spectroscope to compare the emission spectra of the unknown mixture with those of four known gases: Gas A, Gas B, Gas C, and Gas D. Based on the spectral lines shown, which gases are present in the unknown mixture?

Black holes emit tremendous amounts of energy which result in astronomers using many different means of technology to gather information. Instruments such as the GALEX satellite and Spitzer Space Telescope use different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to gather data about these strange celestial objects. To view black holes, the GALEX typically operates at a frequency of about 1.3 X 10¹⁵ Hz while the Spitzer Space Telescope operates at 2.2 X 10¹² Hz.

Which two portions of the electromagnetic spectrum are astronomers using to detect information about black holes?

Aria, a scientist, observed a celestial object emitting a wavelength of 3 x 10^-10m. What type of telescope did Aria have to use to view this?

In 1965, two Bell Labs engineers used a microwave receiver to receive radio transmissions but were unable to eliminate a persistent background noise that seemed to affect the receiver no matter where they pointed it in the sky, day or night. After cleaning the receiver and ruling out other possibilities, they realized their discovery was cosmic background radiation (like heat left over from an explosion) from the Big Bang. They eventually received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1978.

What does this story show about the development of scientific theories?

Maya wants to observe distant stars and galaxies, so she decides to use a reflecting telescope like the one shown in the diagram. What is an advantage of using this type of telescope?

Grace is an astronomer who needs to place a telescope in a location which will avoid all atmospheric interference. What would be the best location for her telescope?

Arjun is learning about electromagnetic waves in his science class. He wants to know which type of electromagnetic wave has the HIGHEST energy. Can you help him choose the correct answer?

What type of spacecraft is the Hubble Space Telescope?

Which type of electromagnetic radiation travels the fastest?

Astronomers often scan the sky using devices called radio telescopes. What can you conclude about these devices?

Pictures taken by the Cassini spacecraft show that the rings surrounding Saturn have dark and light bands. Until these pictures were taken, scientists on Earth did not know about this difference in color. Why was the Cassini spacecraft able to take pictures of the dark and light bands in Saturn’s rings while they are not visible from Earth?

Daniel wants to observe the stars using a refracting telescope. He wonders what the telescope uses to focus light. A refracting telescope uses _______ to focus light.

Samuel wants to observe distant stars using his new reflecting telescope. He wonders what component this type of telescope uses to focus light. Reflecting telescopes use _______ to focus light.

Evelyn is planning to build a large optical telescope and is considering different locations. Why might she choose to build it on a mountain?

Which EM waves are invisible? (more than one correct answer)

Which EM waves have a SHORTER wavelength than visible?

Which EM waves are have the highest energy & are the most dangerous?

Which color waves have the lowest frequency?

Which type of electromagnetic wave travels fastest through a vacuum?

Samuel is curious about how different space telescopes work. He learns that the James Webb Telescope is different than the Hubble Telescope in that it

The first major optical space telescope that uses visible light to be put into space was the

This telescope was designed to detect infrared radiation to study objects ranging from our solar system to distant universe regions. It also orbits the Sun.

Electromagnetic Radiation from Space Objects in space emit radiation in wavelengths of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Extremely hot objects are the sources of gamma rays and X-rays. Stars emit most of their radiation in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges. Cooler objects, such as gas clouds and non-luminous bodies, can be observed using radiation in the radio, microwave, and infrared regions. These objects also tend to reflect visible light from other sources.

As shown in this illustration, not all of the electromagnetic radiation that reaches Earth from space makes it to the surface. Many high-energy waves are blocked by the planet’s magnetic field. Much of the radiation that does reach the atmosphere is absorbed by atoms and molecules.

What part of the electromagnetic spectrum can be observed using optical telescopes on the surface of Earth?

Space telescopes are very expensive to build and place into orbit. Why do space agencies most likely need many different space telescopes?