Infrared Astronomy

The study of infrared energy produced by astronomical objects. Infrared is a form of energy with a longer wavelength and lower frequency than visible light. It is produced by relatively cool objects, such as planetary systems and clouds of interstellar dust. Earth's atmosphere absorbs most infrared energy, so it is best studied with telescopes in space or aboard high-altitude balloons or aircraft.

Radio Programs

Dusty Vega Stirring up dust around a bright star Friday, June 14, 2013
IRAS Opening fresh eyes on the universe Friday, January 25, 2013
Hot Planet The glow of a small but hot planet Thursday, January 24, 2013
Shrinking Iceball A distant iceball gets smaller Friday, October 19, 2012
More Moon and Jupiter Warming up a giant planet Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Taking Inventory Taking inventory of the solar system Saturday, March 26, 2011
More Moon and Companions Fine-tuning the view of the heavens Monday, February 21, 2011
Witch Head Nebula An astronomical youth movement Friday, November 26, 2010
Watery Star A star that’s immersed in a steam bath Tuesday, November 9, 2010
WISE II Keeping a WISE observatory cool Friday, October 29, 2010
WISE "Wising up" to new discoveries Thursday, October 28, 2010
Protoplanetary Disks III Looking into a young star system Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Featured Images

Starbirth region on the edge of the Milky Way galaxy
 Starbirth Thursday, June 6, 2013
Visible- and infrared-light views of Orion
 Double Vision Friday, January 25, 2013
Infrared image of the star Fomalhaut (center) and surround debris ring
 Messy Building Zone Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Space-based infrared view of the Large Magellanic Cloud
 Busy Neighbor Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Newborn stars in the Orion Nebula
 Bright Babies Thursday, March 1, 2012
Infrared view of the spiral galaxy IC 342
 Tangled Galaxy Sunday, January 22, 2012
Infrared view of starbirth in the vast nebula complex Cygnus X
 Busy Nursery Friday, January 13, 2012
Six Spiral Galaxies from European Southern Observatory
 Galaxies Galore Friday, October 29, 2010
Infrared view of Comet Hartley 2 from WISE
 Heading for a Rendezvous Wednesday, October 6, 2010
A hot, massive star 'exhales' a breath of oxygen in this recent image from WISE.
 Breath of Life Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Rings and Moons
 Rings and Moons Friday, June 4, 2010
Big Blue Planet
 Big Blue Planet Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Starbirth Factories
 Starbirth Factories Monday, May 24, 2010

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