ASTR 1101 Chapter : Feb-29
Document Summary
Light (the only way to know much of the universe) Infrared, ultraviolet : gamma-rays - shortest wavelength (comparable in size to the nucleus of an atom). I study bursts of gamma-rays coming from distant galaxies. Gamma-rays also given off by radioactive elements: x-rays - short wavelength (comparable in size to atoms). X-rays used for medical and metallurgical purposes: ultraviolet - short wavelength (comparable in size to protein molecules). Uv given off by florescent paint and (cid:1)black lights(cid:2): optical - wavelength comparable in size to a virus. The only wavelength that our eyes can detect, and we see it as roygbiv colors: infrared - long wavelength (comparable in size to the cells in your body). Tv remotes use it, and your skin feels its warming power: radio - longest wavelength (from size of thumb to size of louisiana). Thermal light: the wavelength of the brightest emission changes only with the temperature: T = temperature (in kelvin: luminosity depends on temperature:
