Infrared astronomy is a branch of astronomy that studies celestial objects by detecting their infrared radiation. This type of radiation is emitted by cooler objects in space, such as stars, planets, and dust clouds, which are often too faint to be observed in visible light. By using specialized telescopes equipped with infrared detectors, astronomers can gather valuable information about the composition, temperature, and movement of these objects. Infrared astronomy plays a crucial role in understanding the universe, particularly in regions obscured by dust, like star-forming regions and the centers of galaxies. Instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope are designed to observe infrared wavelengths, allowing scientists to explore the early universe and the formation of stars and planets in greater detail.