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The Question

(Submitted December 18, 1996)

Hi, I was wondering what space astronomy was?

The Answer

Space Astronomy refers to the study of astronomical objects using instruments flown on satellites. These instruments may detect gamma-rays, x-rays, ultraviolet light, optical light or infrared. The Hubble Space Telescope, the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer are examples of satellites used in the study of space astronomy. Space Astronomers study a wide range of objects, from normal stars to black holes to active galaxies.

As I'm sure you've noticed, our web site concentrates on x-rays and gamma-rays. It has more information about the objects we study and the satellites we use.

Jim Lochner
for Imagine the Universe!

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Imagine the Universe is a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), Dr. Nicholas White (Director), within the Laboratory for High Energy Astrophysics at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center.

The Imagine Team
Project Leader: Dr. Jim Lochner
All material on this site has been created and updated between 1997-2004.

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