This page describes an image WISE Survey Capturing the Whole Sky in Infrared Light
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Image caption:
This image presents the entire sky mapped in infrared light from space by the WISE satellite. While dust in the plane of the Milky Way blocks visible light, obscuring the heart of our Galaxy, infrared light passes through the dust. The most prominent feature is the broad, bright band running horizontally through the centre — this is the plane of our Milky Way galaxy. Numerous brighter knots and patches appear above and below the band, marking regions of active star formation and nearby galaxies.
Such a dataset is a classic example of an astronomical survey, in which large portions of the sky is scanned to build a comprehensive catalogue of cosmic sources. The WISE satellite operated in space, allowing it to study parts of the infrared spectrum blocked by Earth's atmosphere.
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Credit Link
Related glossary terms:
Astronomical Survey
, Infrared Astronomy
Image license: Public Domain Public Domain icons
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