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.

Featured Images

An ultraviolet camera gazes skyward from the Moon during the Apollo 16 mission
 Looking Up Monday, April 23, 2012
Ultraviolet image of the region around the Ghost of Jupiter Nebula
 Astronomical Ghost Sunday, October 31, 2010
High Lights Sunday, January 17, 2010
Hot Galaxy Friday, September 18, 2009
Speeding Star Saturday, December 8, 2007
Lunar Observatory Sunday, April 22, 2007
Snack Time Sunday, December 17, 2006

Radio Programs

 Moon and Taurus Snapping the universe -- from the Moon Monday, April 23, 2012
More Moon and Companions Fine-tuning the view of the heavens Monday, February 21, 2011
Moon and Spica Looking at a star in a whole new light Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Ghosts Hunting astronomical ghosts Sunday, October 31, 2010
Moon and Jupiter Piecing together a picture of a giant Saturday, May 8, 2010
Zeta Puppis Heating up a giant star Saturday, February 20, 2010
Rigel Getting away from a brilliant star Thursday, February 11, 2010
Moon and Regulus Zapped by a hot, bright star Sunday, March 8, 2009
Moon and Regulus Slathering on the sunscreen Thursday, September 25, 2008

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