Infrared astronomy takes center stage

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Sky and Telescope; (United States)

OSTI ID:5194906

Gillett, F C; Gatley, I; Hollenbach, D ^[1]

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1. National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Tucson, AZ (USA) NASA, Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA (USA)

Characteristics of infrared astronomy, including the ability to detect cool matter, explore the hidden universe, reveal a wealth of spectral lines, and reach back to the beginning of time are outlined. Ground-based infrared observations such as observations in the thermal infrared region are discussed as well as observations utilizing infrared telescopes aboard NASA aircraft and orbiting telescopes. The Space Infrared Telescope Facility and the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy are described, and it is pointed out that infrared astronomers can penetrate obscuring dust to study stars and interstellar matter throughout the Milky Way galaxy. Application of various infrared instruments to the investigation of stars and planets is emphasized, and focus is placed on the discovery of clouds or disks of particles around mature stars and acquisition of high-resolution spectra of the gaseous and solid materials orbiting on the fringes of the solar system.

• OSTI ID: 5194906
• Journal Information: Sky and Telescope; (United States), Journal Name: Sky and Telescope; (United States) Vol. 82; ISSN SKTEA; ISSN 0037-6604
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640100* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ASTRONOMY
COSMIC GASES
COSMOLOGY
DETECTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUIDS
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
GASES
INFRARED RADIATION
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MILKY WAY
PLANETS
RADIATIONS
SOLAR SYSTEM
SPACE
STAR EVOLUTION
TELESCOPES
THERMAL RADIATION
UNIVERSE