Astronomer's Toolbox
How do we know what we know?
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.
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.
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.
