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How We Use X-Rays
X-Rays have the ability to penetrate things due to their extremely small wavelengths (about the size of an atom). As a result, we mostly use X-rays to see inside things. X-ray machines are used medically to view tissues inside the body like people's skeletons. X-rays also have important security applications at airports, events centers, and customs offices.Even though our sun emits large amounts of X-rays, we are protected from this radiation because it gets absorbed by our atmosphere.
What We Learn from X-Rays
X-rays are produced from objects in the universe that are extremely hot or high energy. Astronomers use X-rays to study black holes, comets, and the gases of supernova remnants. Some of these objects can't be seen using regular telescopes. X-rays can also be used to study the auroras that occur near the poles of the Earth.
X-Rays can reveal neutron stars in the center of a nebula (bottom center image)
X-Ray Images
X-ray image of Jupiter showing auroras near the poles
X-Ray view of the Whirlpool Galaxy captured by the Chandra Telescope
Other Info
X-rays can be used to generate images of bones and other internal structures due to differences in density. Bones are more dense than skin and muscle. X-rays pass through skin and muscle but bounce off bones. This allows us to generate pictures of where our bones are. This same principle works for security scanners "seeing" inside of bags etc.
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