The Infrared Sky
Explanation:
Three major sources contribute to the
far-
infrared sky: our
Solar System, our
Galaxy, and our
Universe.
The above image, in representative colors, is a projection of the entire
infrared sky
created from years of observations by the robot spacecraft
COBE.
Our Solar System is evidenced most prominently
by the S-shaped blue sash called
zodiacal light,
created by small pieces of rock and dust orbiting between the
Sun and
Jupiter.
Our
Galaxy is evidenced by the
bright band of light that crossed the middle of the image,
created mostly by
dust that laces the disk of our
Milky Way. Close inspection of
the image reveals that the
background is not completely dark,
indicating that our
Universe itself provides a diffuse glow,
created by the
dust left over from the star formation throughout the Universe.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
