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Seeing in Infrared (p. 185)


Step 1. Questions

Have you ever wanted the special power to see in the dark? You can do it with night-vision goggles, eyeglasses that use infrared radiation! Astronomers use similar technology to learn about the universe.

To write about infrared technology, you will compare and contrast different devices that detect infrared radiation. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What is infrared radiation?
  • How is infrared radiation different from visible radiation?
  • How do night-vision goggles work?
  • What does the Spitzer Space Telescope do?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above, and write down what you learned in the note-taking boxes.

You may use search engines to research other Web sites. You can also research infrared radiation at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn what to do if you get an error message on a Web page.


What is Infrared?
Learn all about infrared radiation on this amazing Web page. Identify the many different uses of infrared technology. This Web site is provided by NASA and the California Institute of Technology, which manages the Spitzer Space Telescope. It is part of a larger Web site called "Cool Cosmos."
Take Notes:



How Night Vision Works
Learn about how night vision works. Find out the positive and negative characteristics of night-vision technology. For more in-depth information, follow the link at the bottom of the page to learn how the U.S. military uses infrared technology for our nation's defense.
Take Notes:



What is the Spitzer Space Telescope?
Read all about the Spitzer Space Telescope. Who invented it? What does it do? Click the orange arrow at the bottom right of the Web page to find out more about the telescope. NASA and the California Institute of Technology also provided this Web site.
Take Notes:



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