Submillimetre Astronomy

Submillimetre astronomy or submillimeter astronomy (see spelling differences) is the branch of observational astronomy that is conducted at submillimetre wavelengths (i.e., terahertz radiation) of the electromagnetic spectrum. Astronomers place the submillimetre waveband between the far-infrared and microwave wavebands, typically taken to be between a few hundred micrometres and a millimetre. It is still common in submillimetre astronomy to quote wavelengths in 'microns', the old name for micrometre.

Using submillimetre observations, astronomers examine molecular clouds and dark cloud cores with a goal of clarifying the process of star formation from earliest collapse to stellar birth. Space-based observations of these dark clouds will attempt to determine chemical abundances and cooling mechanisms for the molecules which comprise them. In addition, submillimetre observations will attempt to determine the mechanisms for the formation and evolution of galaxies.

Read more about Submillimetre AstronomySubmillimetre Astronomy From The Ground, Submillimetre Astronomy From Near-space, Submillimetre Astronomy From Space

Other articles related to "submillimetre astronomy, submillimetre, astronomy":

Submillimetre Astronomy From Space
610 μm 0.55 - 0.7 Herschel 2009 55-672 μm 3.5 m Space-based observations at the submillimetre wavelengths remove the ground-based limitations of atmospheric absorption ... The Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite (SWAS) was launched into low Earth orbit on December 5, 1998 as one of NASA's Small Explorer Program (SMEX) missions ... into space and studies radiation in the far infrared and submillimetre wavebands ...

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