How do we observe deep into the cosmos, beyond our solar system? What are the tools we use to find the most distant objects, and how do we see the universe as it was billions of years ago?
For thousands of years the humans could only observe the light coming from the night sky with their eyes. Then, in the early 17th century, Galileo and others turned their telescopes toward the sky, and it revolutionized our knowledge of the Universe.
In the 20th century, with the advent of rockets, it became possible to go above the earth’s atmosphere to directly observe X-ray and gamma ray radiation for the first time. But it is not only light that can give us information about the cosmos. Neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information. Most recently, gravitational waves from merging black holes have been observed, opening a new window in astrophysics.
Suitable for ages 10 and up.