Radio Waves

The Very Large Array (VLA) is one of the world's premier astronomical radio observatories. The VLA consists of 27 antennas arranged in a huge "Y" pattern up to 36 km (22 miles) across -- roughly one and a half times the size of Washington, DC.

The above image shows the Carbon Monoxide (CO) gases in our Milky Way galaxy.

Radio telescopes look toward the heavens at planets and comets, giant clouds of gas and dust, and stars and galaxies. By studying the radio waves originating from these sources, astronomers can learn about their composition, structure, and motion. Radio astronomy has the advantage that sunlight, clouds, and rain do not affect observations.

• Microwaves

The JERS satellite uses wavelengths about 20 cm in length (L-band). This is an image of the Amazon River in Brazil

The ERS-1 satellite sends out wavelengths about 5.7 cm long (C-band). This image shows sea ice breaking off the shores of Alaska.

Cosmic Microwave Background!

Infrared

Visible

X-Rays