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Why do scientists use images made with other parts of the EM spectrum and not visible light?

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Final answer:

Scientists use images from various electromagnetic spectrum parts because visible light provides limited information. Infrared and radio telescopes can penetrate molecular clouds, enabling the study of star and planet formation. Utilizing the full spectrum gives a more comprehensive understanding of astronomical phenomena.

Step-by-step explanation:

Scientists use images made with other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum because visible light provides limited information about the universe. For instance, studying molecular clouds where stars and planets form cannot effectively be done with visible light telescopes due to the dust and gas that absorb and scatter visible light, obscuring our view. Infrared and radio telescopes, which are sensitive to other bands of the electromagnetic spectrum, penetrate these clouds better, allowing us to detect the formation of new celestial bodies and study the physical conditions within these regions. These observations are crucial for understanding the complex processes of star and planet formation.
Photosynthesis also highlights the importance of the electromagnetic spectrum, as plants use specific parts of visible light to create sugars and therefore sustain most life on Earth. Observations in different parts of the spectrum provide a more comprehensive understanding of astronomical phenomena, much like knowing more about a person than just their shoes at a dinner party. Therefore, it is essential to be open to all information across the electromagnetic spectrum, not just the narrow band of visible light, to grasp the full picture of the cosmos.

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