Radiation From Space The electromagnetic spectrum is a breakdown of the energy from the sun. Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X rays, and gamma rays are all forms of energy from the sun. Fig. 21-1

Optical Telescopes Refracting telescopes use convex lens to focus light from objects in space. Reflecting telescopes use a concave mirror to focus light from objects in space. Telescopes used by professional astronomers are housed in buildings called observatories.

Hubble The Hubble is a reflecting telescope in orbit around the Earth. It produces images from space with great detail as the light is not affected by the Earth’s atmosphere.

Radio Telescopes Radio telescopes collect radio waves traveling through space. Radio telescopes are not affected by atmospheric conditions.

Light Pollution The amount of light in a viewing area affects the ability to see objects in space clearly.

Artificial Satellites A satellite is any object that revolves around another object. Sputnik I

Probes A space probe is an instrument that gathers information and sends it back to earth.

Mariner 2 first successful planetary probe launched August 1962 verified high temperatures of Venus’ atmosphere

Pioneer 10 launched March 1972 first probe to encounter Jupiter sent back photographs and data

Viking 1 launched August 1975 orbiter mapped Martian surface lander searched for life

Galileo launched in 1989 dropped a probe into Jupiter’s atmosphere

Race to the Moon Project Mercury Project Gemini Project Apollo

Project Mercury Object was to get an American in space. This was done by the Soviet Union in Yuri A. Gagarin. May 5, 1961 Alan Shepard was the first American in space. In 1962, John Glenn was the first American to orbit Earth.

Project Gemini Objective: to practice skills in space needed to get to the moon. Sent orbiters to the moon to map the Lunar surface.

Project Apollo Objective to reach the moon. On July 20,1969 Apollo 11 landed on the lunar surface. Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon. Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin was the second man on the moon. Michael Collins remained in the Command Module orbiting the moon.

The Space Shuttle The space Shuttle is a reusable orbiter that is used today. It is used to carry objects into space and to do research.

The International Space Station Many countries around the world are working together to build a new space station.