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Astronomer's Toolbox

How do we know what we know?

stars
Astronomers have to rely on light from distant objects in the cosmos, since we cannot visit these objects in our lifetimes. Use the links below to learn about light and the ways that astronomers use light to learn about our Universe.

All-Sky
Astronomers need to collect light from across the electromagnetic spectrum to completely understand a celestial object. Use the links below to explore how astronomers use the highest energies of light to learn about our Universe.

Messengers
Throughout most of history, astronomers have relied on light from distant objects to understand what we saw in the sky. Recently, however, we have started to gain information about these objects from alternate "messengers" - particles and ripples in spacetime itself. Use the links below to find out more about these other messengers.




 

A service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), Dr. Andy Ptak (Director), within the Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at NASA/GSFC

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