Infrared observations involve detecting and analyzing infrared radiation, which is a type of light that is not visible to the human eye. This method is commonly used in astronomy to study celestial objects, such as stars, galaxies, and nebulae, as they often emit significant amounts of infrared light. By using specialized instruments, scientists can gather data about the temperature, composition, and distance of these objects.
In addition to astronomy, infrared observations have practical applications on Earth. They are used in fields like meteorology to monitor weather patterns and in environmental science to study vegetation and land use. Instruments like infrared cameras and satellites help capture this data, providing valuable insights into both space and our planet.