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Ultraviolet Astronomy

A wavelength, or frequency, of light that is more energetic than visible light, but less energetic than x-ray radiation. Ultraviolet, or UV, radiation ranges in wavelength between 10^-8 and 10^-7 meters and in frequency between 10^15 and 10^17 Hz. UV rays can be very harmful to life because they are strong enough to ionize atoms and destroy cells. Fortunately, the Earth’s atmosphere shields us from most UV radiation. Astronomers who want to study UV light from celestial sources must do so from space-borne telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

Radio Programs

Copernicus Seeing a “hidden” universe August 21, 2022

Moon and Spica Living under two brilliant suns June 9, 2022

Second Dog A different view of a hot star January 12, 2021

Astro-2 A high, fast-moving observatory March 2, 2020

EUVE Looking through a galactic “Swiss cheese” June 7, 2017

Moon and Antares Changing the view of the scorpion June 6, 2017

Changing Channels Tuning in new channels in the night sky June 5, 2017

Featured Images

multi-wavelength views of the giant galaxy UGC 1382

Surprising Monster October 15, 2017

Ultraviolet views of Z Camelopardalis, an erupting binary system

Popping Off October 22, 2016