Final answer:
The human eye can detect a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum known as visible light, ranging from 400 to 750 nm. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation exist and can be detected using instruments, providing a more complete understanding of the universe than visible light alone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The human eye can detect only a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum known as visible light. This range extends from about 400 to 750 nanometers (nm), which corresponds to the wavelengths that can be perceived by a normal human eye. Visible light is produced by various processes including the vibrations and rotations of atoms and molecules, as well as electronic transitions within these atoms and molecules.
Outside of this narrow band of the spectrum, there are other types of electromagnetic radiation such as ultraviolet light, infrared radiation, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays, which are not visible to the human eye but can be detected using specialized instruments. These instruments allow astronomers and scientists to obtain a more comprehensive view of the universe beyond what is visible with the nak-ed eye.
Therefore, in the field of astronomy, it's crucial not to rely solely on visible light for observations, as doing so would provide an incomplete picture of the cosmos. Just like how seeing only shoes under a table gives a limited understanding of the dinner party guests, observing celestial bodies using only visible light limits our knowledge of their full nature.