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How We Use Infrared Waves
Have you ever felt heat radiating off a warm object? Well, then you have felt infrared waves! Infrared waves are emitted by any object that has heat: from stars, to people, to ice cubes. Infrared light is used for many things. Toasters, ovens and heat lamps all work because of infrared waves. We also use infrared waves for taking thermal pictures of objects. Some infrared wavelengths don't feel warm are used for remote controls. When you push the button on a remote, a beam of infrared light is sent to the device that you are controlling.
What We Can Learn from Infrared Waves
Infrared waves help scientists see things in terms of heat. Infrared or thermal photography can help us study how fires burn, how animals lose heat, and it can help us find objects in the universe. For example, many nebulae are found using infrared telescopes because the dust gives off infrared. Infrared satellites help us track weather and study the Earth’s surface.
Infrared Images
The Helix Nebula as show by the Spitzer Space Telescope.
Infrared imaging better shows the sections of Jupiter's atmosphere due to their temperature differences.
Other Info
Infrared light at most frequencies feels HOT! Anytime you feel heat coming from an object, infrared light is hitting your skin even though you can't see it.
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