5. Astronomers use different types of telescopes to observe different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows astronomers to study objects in space. Each type of
electromagnetic wave can travel through space at the speed of light. Sometimes astronomers
will use two telescopes on opposites sides of a planet and combine the image from each
telescope. When combined, the two telescopes act like one giant telescope and have the ability
to reveal important details from space.
o
103
radio
10-2
Wavelength (m)
10-6
infrared visible
10-5
10-8
10-10
microwave
ultraviolet X-ray
10-12
gamma ray
o
w
WW
104
108
1012
1015
1016
1018
1020
CLEAR
Frequency (Hz)
If astronomers are detecting electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 10%, what type of
wave are they detecting?