Flexi Says: The Hubble space telescope has instruments that can detect infrared as well as visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. Infrared is useful for several reasons. Many objects in space including planets, nebula, and old remains of stars are too cool and faint to be detected in visible light but can be detected in infrared. In addition, infrared waves have longer wavelengths than visible light. This allows them to pass through dense regions of gas and dust better than shorter visible light wavelengths. Infrared energy can therefore reveal objects within or behind dusty areas that cannot be seen in visible light. Infrared is also useful for detecting molecules in the atmospheres of exoplanets.
