millimeter-wave astronomy

Millimeter-wave astronomy studies celestial objects using electromagnetic waves with wavelengths just millimeters long, lying between far-infrared and radio waves. These wavelengths allow astronomers to observe cold and dusty regions of space—such as molecular clouds, star-forming areas, and the cosmic microwave background—that are often obscured in visible light. By analyzing millimeter-wave signals, scientists gain insights into the processes of star and galaxy formation, the composition of interstellar matter, and the early universe’s conditions. Advanced telescopes equipped with sensitive detectors capture these signals, opening a window into regions that are otherwise hidden from optical observation.