How do scientists use the electromagnetic spectrum to study the universe

These observations enable astronomers to determine certain physical characteristics of objects, such as their temperature, composition and velocity . The electromagnetic spectrum consists of much more than visible light. It includes wavelengths of energy that human eyes can’t perceive.30 May 2019

Astronomers study planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as radio and optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope .

NASA’s scientific instruments use the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum to study the Earth, the solar system, and the universe beyond.

Astronomers use a number of telescopes sensitive to different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to study objects in space . Even though all light is fundamentally the same thing, the way that astronomers observe light depends on the portion of the spectrum they wish to study.