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Optical Astronomy Collection

Optical astronomy unveils the wonders of the universe, capturing intricate details like never before

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Moon surface detail

Moon surface detail
Photograph of the south east portion of the moon taken through a 30 cm telescope from Orange, California. The four dark patches in the upper part of the photo are lava-filled basins called maria

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Optical photo of Andromeda galaxy & its satellites

Optical photo of Andromeda galaxy & its satellites
Optical photo of M31 with companions M32 (NGC 221) and NGC 205. Photographed with 48-inch Schmidt telescope, Mt Palomar

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Astronomy & the optical spectrum

Astronomy & the optical spectrum
Astronomy and the optical spectrum. The optical range of the electromagnetic spectrum runs from wavelengths of 310 millionths of a metre (nano- metre, nm) to 1100 nanometres

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Primary mirror of the Keck II telescope, Hawaii

Primary mirror of the Keck II telescope, Hawaii
Keck II telescope mirror. The primary mirror (at lower right) and its supporting frame of the Keck II Telescope, the largest optical telescope in the world in 1997

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Keck I and II observatories on Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Keck I and II observatories on Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Keck observatories. Domes of the Keck I (at left) and Keck II optical telescopes at sunrise at the Mauna Kea observatory in Hawaii, USA. Keck I is seen partially open

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Optical photo of Halleys comet

Optical photo of Halleys comet
Image-processed optical photograph of the head of Halleys Comet, derived from 4 exposures made on May 25, 1910, at Helwan, Egypt

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Horsehead and Flame nebulae

Horsehead and Flame nebulae
Optical image of the Horsehead nebula (IC 434) in the constellation Orion. The smaller, more orange Flame nebula (NGC 2024) is at lower left

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Nebula near the bright star Altair

Nebula near the bright star Altair
Optical photograph showing a dark nebula, discovered by E. E. Barnard, near the bright star Altair in the constellation Aquila

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Optical photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy

Optical photograph of the Andromeda Galaxy
Optical photograph of M31, the Andromeda Galaxy (NGC 224). Located 2.2 million light years from Earth, M31 is a giant spiral galaxy which dominat- es the " Local Group" of which our own

Background imageOptical Astronomy Collection: Optical photo of the centre of the Milky Way

Optical photo of the centre of the Milky Way


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Optical astronomy unveils the wonders of the universe, capturing intricate details like never before. Through its lens, we explore the Moon's surface, revealing its hidden intricacies and unveiling a world beyond our reach. The optical photo of Andromeda galaxy and its satellites transports us to distant realms, where galaxies dance in harmony. Astronomy delves into the mysteries of space using the vast spectrum of light. Optical instruments allow us to dissect this spectrum, unraveling celestial secrets that lie within each wavelength. The primary mirror of Keck II telescope stands tall in Hawaii's Mauna Kea observatory, reflecting our insatiable curiosity as it peers deep into cosmic wonders. The Keck I and II observatories on Mauna Kea serve as gateways to unparalleled discoveries. These magnificent structures house cutting-edge technology that enables astronomers to capture breathtaking images with astonishing clarity. From Halleys comet gracefully gliding through space to the ethereal Horsehead and Flame nebulae captivating our imagination - optical photography captures these fleeting moments for eternity. Intriguingly close by is a nebula near Altair, a bright star illuminating its surroundings with celestial beauty. Optical astronomy allows us to witness such stellar phenomena up close, bridging the gap between Earth and distant stars. Through optical astronomy's lens, we embark on an endless journey through time and space – unlocking secrets hidden among twinkling stars and shimmering galaxies, and is a testament to humanity's unyielding desire for knowledge; an exploration fueled by wonderment that continues to push boundaries further than ever imagined.