Bandung – BRIN Public Relations. Our universe is very vast. How can we see objects in the universe? We can see it with light. Light is an information courier in the universe that delivers information from various existing objects. For example, when you see the green color of a tree, this comes from the light emitted by the leaves.
“Light is a part of electromagnetic waves that has a very wide range. They have various names, including gamma rays, X rays, UV, visible light, infrared, and even radio. Some electromagnetic waves have long wavelengths and some have short wavelengths. Each has its characteristics. “The shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy carried, this can be seen from the temperature,” said Researcher at the Center for Space Research – National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Gerhana Puannandra Putri, when she was a resource person at the 100 Hour Astronomy Webinar, Monday (2/ 10).
He further explained that the earth has a protector, namely an atmosphere that protects it from high wavelengths. Gamma rays which are quite dangerous can be blocked by the atmosphere.
The simplest way to observe is by using your eyes. In the eye there are cells that are sensitive to light. Some are sensitive to color. Some are sensitive to light or darkness. Insects, birds and mantis shrimp are much more sensitive than the human eye. Different wavelengths can produce different colors.
“Radio wavelengths for astronomical observations have a wavelength between 108-1 m or a frequency of 1 – 108 Hz, usually observed using an antenna. “In space, radio waves can come from clouds or interstellar material,” explained Gerhana.
He continued, microwave observations have a wavelength of 1-10-3 m (1 mm) or a frequency between 300 MHz – 300 GHz, which can be used in astronomical observations. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR) is a source of microwave radiation that is used as a guide to determine the origin of the universe.
Infrared observations, in the range 1 mm – 700 nm, are divided into 3 sub categories: Far, Mid, and Near. In astronomy, infrared observations can provide information regarding relatively cool stars, interstellar dust, and star formation regions.
Optical observations themselves are in the wavelength range 700nm – 400nm. Astronomical observations at this wavelength are quite easy to do because they are not obstructed by the Earth’s atmosphere. Color spectrum analysis in optical observations can indicate the composition and temperature of the object being observed.
“Ultraviolet observations, observed in the wavelength range 400 – 10 nm, the commonly known types of UV light are UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. “UV light can be emitted by very hot stars and supernova remnants,” he said.
Observations on X-rays and gamma are in the range 10 nm – 10 pm and 10 pm – 0.1 pm. Observations at these two wavelengths are very difficult to do, because they have very high energy and are therefore difficult to capture. Observations at these wavelengths can reveal high energy phenomena occurring in the universe such as black holes and neutron stars.
“Collaborative observations and multi-wavelength data can enrich and deepen knowledge about the universe. X-rays and Gamma provide information regarding high energy phenomena. UV light provides images of bright and hot stars. Optical wavelengths for observing sun-class stars, planets and nebulae. Infrared rays for faint and cool stars. “In microwave and radio waves, the distribution of molecular clouds and CMBR can be seen,” said Gerhana.
Apart from light, there are also other messengers, including cosmic rays, neutrinos and gravitational waves. All of this is called multi messenger astronomy.
“Even though each person’s interests are different, never stop looking at the sky. “Interest in the universe is necessary, because there are many lessons that we can learn and can encourage us to study other sciences as a whole,” concluded Gerhana at the end of the presentation. (cw/ed: kg, aps).
2023-10-05 03:44:59
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