Infrared

Infared, or "infrared" light, is electromagnetic radiation that has a shorter wavelength than radio waves, but is longer than visible light. Astromers use infrared astronomy to see through clouds of gas and vapor to see planets and distant objects that they would not normally be able to see otherwise.

Infrared Light and the Sun

Everything that emits heat also emits infrared light, including the sun and other celestial bodies. Astronomers use the infrared spectrum to see planets and objects that may be too faint to see in the visible spectrum or that may be obstructed via clouds and vapor.

Infrared Telescopes

The only real method of observing some distant planets and celestial bodies is through the use of infrared telescopes. Photon counting superconducting tunnel junction arrays may be used for higher sensitivity infrared detection, but usually HgCdTe arrays are used due to lower cost.

Infrared Waves and the Sun

Infrared waves show a very interesting picture of the Sun, with some spots being completely black. This is not due to "empty" portions of our star, but rather spots of the sun absorbing infrared light are where gas is most dense.