How do scientists use electromagnetic radiation to study the universe?

Answer 1

Because the only observable effects of objects that we can't touch are:

-- the object's gravitational effects, and

-- electromagnetic radiation from the object.

The Earth, Moon, and Sun are much closer to us than most of the objects we

want to observe. For that matter, other people are also much closer to us. So

all of those nearby objects complete mask (cover up) the gravitational effects of

objects outside of our little part of the solar system.

And another thing: When it comes to gravity, every object acts as if all of its

mass were concentrated at one point, called its "center of mass". Even if we

did have super-duper gravity detectors, they could never reveal the shape,

color, temperature, or physical size of a distant planet, or of a mountain on

its surface.

That leaves us with nothing to look at except electromagnetic radiation, to find

out stuff about anything we can't touch.

Whether it's the galaxy at the other side of the universe, or the lady at the other

end of the bar.

I rest my case.

Answer 2

Electromagnetic radiation is all we have. It comprises light, x-rays, visible light, infra red and radio waves, which are all the mechanisms used to study the universe. An exception is the small amount of research on gravity waves.

Answer 3

Because regardless of whether your observations are made in the visible,

radio, ultraviolet, or X-ray, electromagnetic radiation is the only way you're

going to see anything.

Answer 4

All of them. All types of electromagnetic radiation are used to investigate the universe. I don't think there is any major range of frequencies that is NOT used.