Hubble Infrared Observations

March 14, 2024

Equipped with sophisticated instruments designed to detect infrared light, the Hubble Space Telescope can effectively peer through the veil of dust that cloaks much of the Milky Way. Infrared light, with its longer wavelengths, can traverse the dust clouds that absorb or scatter visible light, revealing the hidden universe behind them. This capability allows astronomers to observe the formation of stars, the structure of galaxies, and the distribution of cosmic material in regions that were previously obscured.

The Hubble's infrared observations have been pivotal in enhancing our understanding of the universe. By mapping the distribution of stars and stellar nurseries in the Milky Way, it helps scientists to piece together the galactic puzzle, revealing insights into the galaxy's formation, evolution, and the dynamic processes that govern its structure. Moreover, the ability to observe in the infrared spectrum has not only expanded our knowledge of the Milky Way but has also led to numerous discoveries in the broader cosmos, including the detection of planets orbiting distant stars, the observation of the earliest galaxies in the universe, and the study of cosmic phenomena that are invisible in other wavelengths. Credit: NASA Goddard.

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