The light of the electromagnetic spectrum is the key to finding out about space without leaving Earth. Using a telescope to study the different wavelengths of light given off by an object in space, astronomers can find out such things as what a particular space object is made of, how hot it is, how old it is, how it is changing and much more.
In this activity, students learn about four different telescopes – radio, infrared, optical and ultraviolet – and how each uses different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to view objects in space. Students then test their knowledge of telescopes with an online or paper-based quiz.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
- match the telescope with the part of the electromagnetic spectrum it is able to view
- discuss the benefits of using a particular telescope to view a particular type of space object
- choose a telescope that will help answer a question about a space object.
Download the Word file (see link below).
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Space revealed – introduction curates many of our telescope resources in one handy place. Meet some Kiwi astronomers who use telescopes to investigate planets, stars and galaxy clusters.
