The Spitzer space telescope. Artwork
author: Nasa/JPL-Caltech/Novapix
reference: e-sou01-49003
Image Size 300 DPI: 13 * 17 cm
The cloud complexes around Orion and the disk of the Milky Way are seen behind the observatory.
The Spitzer Space Telescope (formerly SIRTF, the Space Infrared Telescope Facility) was launched into space by a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida on 25 August 2003. During its mission, Spitzer will obtain images and spectra by detecting the infrared energy, or heat, radiated by objects in space between wavelengths of 3 and 180 microns (1 micron is one-millionth of a meter). Most of this infrared radiation is blocked by the Earth's atmosphere and cannot be observed from the ground.