The Milky Way in Infrared
Explanation:
At night, from a dark location, part of the clear sky looks
milky.
This unusual swath of dim light is generally visible during
any month and from any location.
Until the
invention of the telescope,
nobody really knew what the "Milky Way" was.
About 300 years ago telescopes caused a startling revelation: the
Milky Way was made of
stars.
Only 70 years ago,
more powerful telescopes
brought the
further revelation that the
Milky Way is only one galaxy among many.
Now telescopes in space allow yet deeper understanding.
The
above picture was taken by the
COBE satellite
and shows the plane of our Galaxy in
infrared light. The thin disk of our home
spiral galaxy
is clearly apparent, with stars appearing white and
interstellar dust appearing red.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
