Electromagnetic Spectrum Poster
About Educational Resource
The light that we see with our eyes – visible light – represents only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Developing the technology to detect and use other portions of the electromagnetic spectrum – the “invisible” light that our eyes cannot see – has had a tremendous impact on our daily lives. When you listen to a radio, heat your food in a microwave oven, use a remote control, or have an X-ray taken, you are using “invisible” light.
In astronomy, scientists use the properties of light to learn about celestial objects that are too far away to visit. Each portion of the electromagnetic spectrum provides unique clues about the nature of our universe. NASA Astrophysics missions and research programs use innovative technologies to observe the universe at a variety of wavelengths across the electromagnetic spectrum in search of the answers to enduring human questions:
- How does the universe work?
- How did we get here?
- Are we alone?
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