Space Telescope, telescope or other astronomical detector mounted on an artificial satellite that orbits Earth. In the late 20th century astronomers’ view of the universe was revolutionized because of observations made by telescopes in orbit. Compared to Earth-based telescopes, space telescopes offer a much clearer view of astronomical objects because the instruments are far above Earth’s turbulent, distorting atmosphere. Telescopes in orbit can also cover the entire celestial sphere, while portions of the sky may not be accessible to stationary ground-based telescopes, depending on their location on Earth.
Space telescopes also have access to a wider part of the electromagnetic spectrum (see Electromagnetic Radiation), including X rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet light (see Ultraviolet Radiation), and much of the infrared spectrum (see Infrared Radiation). Each of these spectra offers a new window onto the universe that carries a wealth of information about planets, stars, and galaxies, and also the processes that shape them. Phenomena such as active galaxies and black holes cannot be fully understood without comparing data from across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Space telescopes range in complexity from small satellites, which often survey the entire sky, to larger “observatory-class” satellites, which can target particular objects. These larger satellites generally require more intensive control from scientists on the ground, who choose objects to be studied and help point the satellites in the correct direction.
Space telescopes also have access to a wider part of the electromagnetic spectrum (see Electromagnetic Radiation), including X rays, gamma rays, ultraviolet light (see Ultraviolet Radiation), and much of the infrared spectrum (see Infrared Radiation). Each of these spectra offers a new window onto the universe that carries a wealth of information about planets, stars, and galaxies, and also the processes that shape them. Phenomena such as active galaxies and black holes cannot be fully understood without comparing data from across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Space telescopes range in complexity from small satellites, which often survey the entire sky, to larger “observatory-class” satellites, which can target particular objects. These larger satellites generally require more intensive control from scientists on the ground, who choose objects to be studied and help point the satellites in the correct direction.
