Tools of Astronomy

Telescopes  Most collect and focus light.  Two types- 1. optical 2. radio 2. radio

1. Optical Telescopes   Collect light   Uses mirrors and lenses to make objects appear larger and brighter.

2 Types of Optical Telescopes

Refracting Telescope  Convex lenses gather light and focus it in a small area.  Used by Galileo in 1609.

Reflecting Telescope  Light enters the end and reflects on mirrors.  Make observations through eyepiece.  Used by Isaac Newton 1668

Observatories  Large buildings that store large optical telescopes

2. Radio Telescopes  Receives radio waves from objects in space.  Can be used in all weather and at all times of day

Satellites  orbit around Earth  collect information while in space  Not affected by Earth’s atmosphere

Space Probes  Travel out of Earth’s orbit to collect info  instruments are based on the goals of the “mission”

Spectroscopes  separates light of stars into bands of color.  scientists can guess the gases/elements of the star.

Reading Assignment-  With your tablemate or alone, read pages J in read pages J in the pink book. the pink book.