Submillimeter astronomy is a research area focused on observing electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between the far-infrared and millimeter regimes (roughly 0.1–1 mm), where cold dust, molecular gas, and cosmic microwave background–related processes emit strongly. It probes physical conditions in dense interstellar clouds, star-forming regions, circumstellar disks, and high-redshift galaxies via rotational transitions of molecules (e.g., CO) and thermal dust emission. The field relies on high-sensitivity, high-angular-resolution instruments such as bolometer arrays and heterodyne receivers, typically deployed on high, dry sites or space platforms to mitigate atmospheric water vapor absorption.
Science never stops. Get notified about trending stories.
