Ultra-Violet Astronomy
Introduction
After radio astronomy, the next 'new astronomies' were Ulra-Violet and X-ray (followed by Gamma Ray and then Infra Red). Because of atmospheric absorption, telescopes for these frequencies require detectors based in space.
Ultra-Violet occupies that part of the Electromagnetic Spectrum immediately above visible light (in terms of frequency). It is well-known that the ozone layer protects the Earth from an excess of this form of radiation.
Timeline of Research
- 1946 A UV spectrometer carried aboard a V2 rocket
- 1960s UV instruments begian to be placed on satellites
- 1978-1996 IUE - International Ultraviolet Explorer (ESA/UK)
- Hubble Space Telescope
- ROSAT
- EUVE - Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer
Research Fields
- Corona
- Comets
- Ultra hot stars
- Cores of active galaxies
