Looking Through Lenses
Astronomers use a variety of imaging tools to better understand data collected by the Hubble Space Telescope. They use it to understand the sequence of star formation and to predict likely events in our Sun's future. Astronomers study several galaxies to understand larger patterns and classify formations. They collect data about temperature, density, energy, and chemical composition to make generalizations about elements common to all stars and others that are unique to certain types of stars and the stages of their life cycles.
Near Galactic Cluster 1512 in visible light. Astronomers classify galaxies by their shape; NGC 1512 is a barred spiral, which we think is similar to our own galaxy. In order to better understand the Milky Way galaxy from the inside out (usually represented by NGC 6744, M81, or the Andromeda Galaxy in art and entertainment), astronomers study the formation of the galaxies we can observe from the outside in.
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An image of NCG 1512 in the infrared spectrum helps astronomers understand temperatures of distant stars making up the galaxy. This helps in inferring how close together stars are and their size. |
An image of NCG 1512 in the x-ray spectrum helps astronomers understand the density of matter making up the galaxy, including dust and gases that have not formed stars or other bodies.
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An image of NCG 1512 in the ultraviolet spectrum helps astronomers understand the chemical composition of distant stars making up the galaxy, which is helpful in determining the likely age of the stars.
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A close-up magnification of the visible light given off by the inner ring of NGC 1512.
The study of stars using different lenses, sensors, and filters helps astronomers understand the universe better and create a more accurate model of what is happening around us.
As students of the world around us, we can also use a variety of lenses to better understand phenomena using a spectrum of tools, skills, and perspectives.
As students of the world around us, we can also use a variety of lenses to better understand phenomena using a spectrum of tools, skills, and perspectives.