Module 5: Astronomical Tools

Overall, the ways that astronomers have observed the sky has not changed much over the years, but technology has advanced those methods in ways that astronomers may not have dreamed at the start of their quest for knowledge. The basic types of refractive and reflective telescopes have been around for more than 400 years, yet the technology behind them remains a staple tool in astronomy. Technology has enabled astronomers to view even the invisible by detecting a range of waves along the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows discoveries of celestial bodies that may not otherwise be found. Astronomers use spectrographs to separate the visible white light into the various colored wavelengths to learn the composition, temperature, and density of stars. Observatories and planetariums are centers of research and discovery where people can view and study the movement and placement of space objects.

Ground-based telescopes provide a wide range of data; however, space telescopes overcome limitations of telescopes on Earth. For a little over 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has been in orbit around the Earth. During this time, the Hubble Telescope has made a tremendous impact on the discoveries of stars, planets, and many other celestial objects. Other space telescopes have made notable discoveries, which has led to the development and planned launch of a newer advanced space telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope.

Getting Started

On a sheet of paper, draw or describe what you imagine would be your view of space if you could see it closer. Include what objects you might see and what they would look like. Then, include what tools you would use in order to see that view.

Key Vocabulary

To view the definitions for these key vocabulary terms, visit the course glossary.

absorption lines	emission line	radio interferometry
absorption spectrum	emission spectrum	radio telescope
Arecibo	focal point	reflecting telescope
astrolabes	lens	refracting telescope
binoculars	mirror	spectroscope
black body radiation	observatory	Very Large Array
continuous spectrum	planetarium	white light