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What Are Radio Telescopes Used For?

Invented in 1937 by astronomer Grote Reber, radio telescopes contribute in many ways to astronomy research. These telescopes measure radio waves, enabling them to see into ranges that optical telescopes can't see. Scientists can make false-color pictures from these radio waves.

Seeing Between Stars
- Radio telescopes can measure hydrogen between stars, something that optical telescopes can't do because the emission wavelengths of these hydrogen clouds are too long.
Observing Energetic Objects
- Objects such as pulsars and quasars are highly energetic and emit radio waves in addition to visible light. Radio telescopes can read these radio waves and gain additional information about these objects.
Sun Spots
- Radio telescopes can detect and collect information on sunspots and sun flares, giving researchers information about these phenomena.
Planet Observation
- Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune have all been imaged with radio astronomy and found to have internal heating sources. Planetary storms can also be monitored via radio astronomy.
New Discoveries
- Using data from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, teenager Lucas Bolyard discovered a new type of neutron star in September 2009. Radio astronomy data released online can be used by anyone to learn more about the universe and perhaps make discoveries of their own.

Astronomy