Radio Telescopes

Scientists know that radio waves exist, even though they cannot see them. Radio waves are the longest wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. This makes them the weakest form of radiation. The invisible radio emissions from stars, however, can penetrate clouds of dust, which normally would block astronomers’ view of objects far away in space. By using radio telescopes, astronomers can detect these distant objects through radio wavelengths. Radio telescopes detect these waves and transmit images of them so that astronomers can observe, study, and measure them.

To learn more about how radio waves are utilized to discover space objects, view the video Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves from eMediaVA℠. As you view the video, make note of which celestial objects have been discovered using radio waves.

Radio telescopes provide astronomers with a way to detect and study celestial objects that exist far from Earth. Although radio technology has the ability to produce images of these distant objects that other telescopes may not be able to detect, radio telescopes also come with disadvantages. In this interactivity, click on the tabs to learn more about radio telescopes, how they work, and what disadvantages scientists must contend with when using radio telescopes. Click the player to begin.

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Radio Telescopes Review

Now that you have explored the use of radio telescopes, check your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Choose the option that best completes each statement. Once you have selected your answer, click SUBMIT to check your response. Click the player to get started.