This module has provided you with an overview of the nature of light and the ways that astronomers use telescopes to capture that light for scientific analysis. We began by exploring the description of light as electromagnetic radiation with a spectrum that spans both visible and invisible forms. We subsequently discussed how astronomers use telescopes to focus all forms of light, we considered the various factors that are important when choosing the location of professional telescopes, and then we finished by looking into a number of instruments and techniques that astronomers use in order to make the most of the signals they’re able to observe.
You should now have a good understanding of how astronomy is done in theory, and you will develop a more practical understanding of the things you’ve just explored as you work through Observing Lab 1. However, as you should recall from previous modules, the collection of data can only get us so far. If we are to understand the nature of the astronomical objects emitting the light we can observe, we need to know how to analyse it; we need to know what causes signals to appear as they do. In the next module, we will therefore explore the ways that matter interacts with light, and how we can determine various physical properties such as a body’s temperature and velocity relative to us, by analysing its spectrum.
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