Penn State researchers have found that by looking into space and observing the different wavelengths of objects such as stars and galaxies we can better determine the properties and characteristics of these items as well as leanr more about their structures. Examples of the wavelengths studied are:

X-ray Surveys:
Here at Penn State with the help of the Chandra Deep Field studies as well as the Chandra Orion Ultradeep Project (COUP) images of X-rays in space can be taken and observed in a new light such as galaxies and blackholes. Chandra looks for clearer images of binary star systems, active galaxies and quasars whereas COUP is a multifaceted project touching many issues of stellar physics, evolution and formation.

Infrared Surveys:
Used in much the same way as X-rays, Infrared light can be used to learn the composition of objects. It can also be used to find planets and other masses developing around other stars in our universe. A major source of our information currently comes from the Spitzer Space Telescope.

Find Out More

• The Chandra X-ray Observatory Center

• NASA's Chandra Site
• Spitzer Space Telescope
• Sloan Digital Sky Survey
  

  Recent Developments

  • 25 April 2005 - An international team of scientists associated with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, including an astronomer at Penn State, will report on 26 April the detection of the long-sought "Cosmic Magnification," which is predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. Read the Article

  • 6 April 2005 - Astronomers from Penn State are on the international research team that will announce its discovery of rapidly growing black holes in distant, massive, star-forming galaxies. The research team used three observatories to view the universe in three different wavelengths. Read the Article
  • 21 October 2004 - This week the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) announced the discovery of an unusual companion of the Milky Way galaxy. The finding may shed light on how the halo of stars surrounding the Milky Way formed. Read the Article