The answers to some of the universe’s greatest cosmic mysteries are written across the night sky, inscribed in light we can’t see with our human eyes — but it won’t be invisible to us forever. “Infrared: Beyond the Visible” explores the wonder of infrared astronomy and the promise of the upcoming Webb Space Telescope.
Get a sense of the sights Webb will capture, with its Hubble-sharp vision and ability to reach into the farthest depths of space and time. Infant galaxies! Just-forming planets! Cosmic Space Storks! (Editor’s Note: Please note that Cosmic Space Storks are probably metaphorical.) Squirrels! (Editor’s Note: Squirrels, while real, are still unlikely to be observed by the Webb Space Telescope.) Join us on our journey of discovery, and when you’re done, check out the links below for more on the infrared universe.
Gallery of Infrared Astronomy
Take a closer look at some of the actual astronomical objects featured in “Infrared: Beyond the Visible,” and enjoy these additional infrared images.
Carina Nebula Pillar
Infrared light penetrates gas and dust clouds, allowing infrared cameras to see the stars within. The infrared view of this pillar reveals young stars, including one firing off a long jet of hot gas. Enlarge Image.
Source: Visible: Hubble | Infrared: HubbleAndromeda Starlight in the galaxy’s center dominates this visible-light image of Andromeda. Dust lanes are only faintly seen. In the infrared image, dust blazes with an orange glow, showing arms that reach right into Andromeda’s heart. Enlarge Image.
Source: Visible: Kitt Peak National Observatory |Infrared: Spitzer
Jupiter
Hubble’s visible-light image of Jupiter contrasts with the Gemini Observatory’s glowing infrared view. Infrared images of Jupiter provide information about the chemistry of the gas giant’s clouds. Enlarge Image.
Source: Visible: Hubble | Infrared: GeminiM101Spiral galaxy M101 is also called the pinwheel galaxy due to its distinctive shape. The infrared view brings out the galaxy’s delicate dust lanes in yellow-green hues, and shows its warm dust glowing red.Enlarge Image.
Source: Visible: Hubble | Infrared: SpitzerM82
Starburst galaxy M82 has a bright blue disk, webs of shredded clouds, and plumes of hydrogen streaming from its center. The infrared view also reveals a huge, hidden halo of smoky-looking dust surrounding the galaxy. Enlarge Image.
The objects I have seen in my own backyard while looking into space with an infrared viewer have been astonishing. The speed at which some of these “craft” travel” is wicked awesome. Be it our own black project vehicles or something extraterrestrial, its pretty cool. The amount of stars that show up also is just amazing. I am saving up now for one of the later generation viewers.
The objects I have seen in my own backyard while looking into space with an infrared viewer have been astonishing. The speed at which some of these “craft” travel” is wicked awesome. Be it our own black project vehicles or something extraterrestrial, its pretty cool. The amount of stars that show up also is just amazing. I am saving up now for one of the later generation viewers.