A radiometer is a device used for measuring different types of electromagnetic radiation or energy that exhibit wave-like properties. All objects that have a temperature beyond absolute zero are able to radiate this type of energy into the space surrounding them. This is also true for objects found in space such as stars and even […]
Polarization refers to that property of electromagnetic waves (like light and gravity) that characterizes the orientation of their movement to and from space. Electromagnetic waves possess a vector or three-dimensional nature which results in polarization. In astronomy, great importance is placed on studying polarized electromagnetic radiations from outer space.
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When you hear the term radio wave, you automatically think of broadcasting, mobile communications, and navigation systems. This is a limited perception referring to the lot of artificially-produced radio waves. Naturally-occurring radio waves, on the other hand, are produced by astronomical objects and lightning.
In the simplest sense, a radio galaxy, as the name connotes, is a galaxy that serves as a strong source of electromagnetic radiation or radio waves. The discovery of radio galaxies provides proof of the ability of the universe to expand contrary to the steady state it was once perceived to be. One of the
Infrared in astronomy is an important branch of the science which uses infrared radiation or heat energy to detect and study stars, galaxies and other celestial bodies. A relatively new field, it has contributed a lot to current astronomical knowledge.
Radiation is a term overused by people who are fascinated and well-versed in the field of science. It can very well be considered a household term especially with the arrival of computers and mobile phones. People normally perceive radiation to be harmful; but little do they know that without radiation all things would cease to
Among the most dreaded subtopics in the complicated and mind-draining course of physics, which most students would rather avoid, is momentum. Imagine all the units of measures to memorize, not to mention formulas. However, whether people like it or not, momentum is very present in this world from the tiniest atoms to the largest celestial
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Pulsar is a contraction of two words, pulse and star (much like how quasar, meaning quasi-stellar object, was derived). By general definition, a pulsar is a small dense star (believed to be a neutron star) that emits mostly brief but intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation. The beam of radio wave produced is visible when pointed
When there is an enormous explosion in galaxies, there could be some flashes of gamma rays released. These flashes are called the gamma ray burst. In the universe, it is the most luminous event happening. The shortest periods a burst can last milliseconds. It can last up to several minutes as well. But the typical
Gamma ray is a electromagnetic radiation with a very short wavelength. It means, it is of high frequency. Gamma radiation is produced by interactions of sub atomic particles like fusion, fission, radioactive decay and electron-positron annihilation. Gamma rays can create great damage to living tissues since it is a type of ionizing radiation. You should
