Wavelength Activity

The aim of this activity is to match images of an astronomical object, observed in different wavelengths, with the object's visible image (a composite image made up of a red, green and blue images).

Where to start...

  1. Select an astronomical object from the "Select Object" list. This object's visible image will then be displayed.
  2. Select a wavelength - radio, far-infrared, mid-infrared, UV or X-ray - to see a random grid of images of objects in that wavelength. Look through the suggestions and select (click) the one you think is a match and it will be added to your answer grid. Think about the object such as its shape and size in the new different wavelengths. What could that visible object, now in a different wavelength, reveal?
  3. Once you have selected an image from each of the available wavelengths press the button to see if your selections are correct. More Information about the object, such as its history and what the different wavelengths images reveal about the object, will then become available.

Select Object

      This object is Centaurus A, a large elliptical galaxy 11 million light years from Earth. Lying in the constellation of Centaurus the Centaur, the galaxy is particularly notable because of the dark lanes of dust stretching across the enormous ball of stars.