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((more citations needed|date=August 2018))
[[File:Atmospheric_electromagnetic_opacity.svg|thumb|A diagram of the [[electromagnetic spectrum]] with the Earth's atmospheric transmittance (or opacity) and the types of telescopes used to image parts of the spectrum.]]'''Visible-light astronomy''' encompasses a wide variety of [[astronomical observation]] via [[telescope]]s that are sensitive in the range of  [[visible light]] ([[optical telescope]]s). Visible-light astronomy is part of '''optical astronomy''',((clarify|date=February 2022|reason=Then what is optical astronomy?)) and differs from astronomies based on invisible types of light in the [[Electromagnetic spectrum|electromagnetic radiation spectrum]], such as [[Radio astronomy|radio waves]], [[Infrared astronomy|infrared waves]], [[Ultraviolet astronomy|ultraviolet waves]], [[X-ray astronomy|X-ray waves]] and [[gamma-ray astronomy|gamma-ray waves]]. Visible light ranges from 380 to 750 [[Nanometre|nanometers]] in [[wavelength]].

Visible-light astronomy has existed as long as people have been looking up at the night sky, although it has since improved in its observational capabilities since the invention of the telescope, which is commonly credited to [[Hans Lippershey]], a German-Dutch spectacle-maker,<ref name=":0">((Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KAWwzHlDVksC&pg=PA30|title=The History of the Telescope|last=King|first=Henry C.|date=2003|publisher=Courier Corporation|isbn=978-0-486-43265-6|page=30))</ref> although Galileo played a large role in the development and creation of telescopes.

Since visible-light astronomy is restricted to only visible light, no equipment is necessary for simply [[Amateur astronomy|star gazing]]. This means that it's the most commonly participated in type of astronomy, as well as the oldest.

==History==
===Beginning===
[[File:Bertini fresco of Galileo Galilei and Doge of Venice.jpg|thumb|right|1858 fresco by [[Giuseppe Bertini]] depicting [[Galileo Galilei|Galileo]] showing the [[Doge of Venice]] how to use the telescope]]

Before the advent of [[telescope]]s, astronomy was limited solely to [[naked eye|unaided eyesight]]. Humans have been gazing at stars and [[astronomical object|other objects]] in the [[night sky]] for thousands of years, as is evident in the naming of many [[constellation]]s, notably the largely Greek names used today.

[[Hans Lippershey]], a German-Dutch [[glasses|spectacle]] maker, is commonly credited as being the first to invent the [[optical telescope]]. Lippershey is the first recorded person to apply for a patent for a telescope;<ref name=":0" /> however, it is unclear if Lippershey was the first to build a telescope. Based only on uncertain descriptions of the telescope for which Lippershey tried to obtain a patent, [[Galileo Galilei]] made a telescope with about 3× magnification in the following year. Galileo later made improved versions with up to 30× magnification.((Citation needed|date=August 2018)) With a [[Refracting telescope#Galileo's telescope|Galilean telescope]], the observer could see magnified, upright images on Earth; it was what is commonly known as a terrestrial telescope or a [[Refracting telescope|spyglass]]. Galileo could also use it to observe the sky, and for a time was one of those who could construct telescopes good enough for that purpose. On 25 August 1609, Galileo demonstrated one of his early telescopes, with a magnification of up to 8 or 9, to [[Venice|Venetian]] lawmakers. Galileo's telescopes were also a profitable sideline, selling them to merchants who found them useful both at sea and as items of trade. He published his initial telescopic astronomical observations in March 1610 in a brief treatise titled ''[[Sidereus Nuncius]]'' (''Starry Messenger'').<ref>[[#Reference-Sharratt-1994|Sharratt]] (1994, [https://books.google.com/books?id=-TgYAq3P0P8C&pg=PA1 pp. 1–2])</ref>

The human eye, now with optical aid, remained the only [[image sensor]] until the advent of [[astrophotography]] in the 19th century.

=== Modern day ===
In the modern day, visible-light astronomy is still practiced by many [[amateur astronomy|amateur astronomers]], especially since [[telescope]]s are much more widely available for the public, as compared to when they were first being invented. Government agencies, such as [[NASA]], are very involved in the modern day research and observation of visible objects and [[astronomical object|celestial bodies]]. In the modern day, the highest quality pictures and data are obtained via [[space telescope]]s; telescopes that are outside of the [[atmosphere of Earth|Earth's atmosphere]]. This allows for much clearer observations, as the [[atmosphere]] is not disrupting the image and [[astronomical seeing|viewing quality]] of the telescope, meaning objects can be observed in much greater detail, and much more distant or low-light objects may be observed. Additionally, this means that observations are able to be made at any time, rather than only during the night.

[[File:Pillars of creation 2014 HST WFC3-UVIS full-res denoised.jpg|thumb|One of Hubble's most famous images, ''[[Pillars of Creation]]'', shows stars forming in the [[Eagle Nebula]] (2014 image).]]

==== Hubble Space Telescope ====
((Main|Hubble Space Telescope))

The [[Hubble Space Telescope]] is a [[space telescope]] created by [[NASA]], and was launched into [[low Earth orbit]] in 1990.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/postsecondary/features/F_NASA_Great_Observatories_PS.html|title=NASA – NASA's Great Observatories|website=www.nasa.gov|language=en|others=http://teachspacescience.org/graphics/pdf/10000870.pdf, [https://web.archive.org/web/19961209190738/http://cossc.gsfc.nasa.gov/], http://chandra.harvard.edu/, http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu|access-date=2018-08-08))</ref> It is still in operation today. The [[Hubble Space Telescope]]'s four main instruments observe in the [[Ultraviolet|near ultraviolet]], [[Visible spectrum|visible]], and [[Infrared|near infrared]] [[Electromagnetic spectrum|spectra]]. Hubble's images are some of the most detailed images ever taken, leading to many breakthroughs in [[astrophysics]], such as accurately determining the rate of [[expansion of the universe]].

== Optical telescopes ==
((Main|Optical telescope))
There are three main types of telescopes used in visible-light astronomy:

*[[Refracting telescope]]s, which use lenses to form the image. Commonly used by amateur astronomers, especially for viewing brighter objects such as the [[Moon]], and [[planet]]s, due to lower cost and ease of usage.
*[[Reflecting telescope]]s, which use mirrors to form the image. Commonly used for scientific purposes.
*[[Catadioptric Telescope|Catadioptric telescopes]], which use a combination of lenses and mirrors to form the image; essentially a combination of [[Refracting telescope|refracting]] and [[Reflecting telescope|reflecting]] telescopes.

Each type of telescope suffers from different types of [[Optical aberration|aberration]]; [[refracting telescope]]s have [[chromatic aberration]], which causes colors to be shown on edges separating light and dark parts of the image, where there should not be such colors. This is due to the lens being unable to focus all colors to the same convergence point.<ref>((Cite journal|last1=Marimont|first1=David H.|last2=Wandell|first2=Brian A.|date=1994-12-01|title=Matching color images: the effects of axial chromatic aberration|journal=JOSA A|language=EN|volume=11|issue=12|pages=3113–3122|doi=10.1364/JOSAA.11.003113|bibcode=1994JOSAA..11.3113M|issn=1520-8532))</ref> [[Reflecting telescope]]s suffer from several types of optical inaccuracies, such as off-axis aberrations near the edges of the field of view. Catadioptric telescopes vary in the types of optical inaccuracies present, as there are numerous catadioptric telescope designs.

==Effect of ambient brightness==
[[File:Light_pollution_europe.jpg|thumb|Light pollution map of Europe]]The visibility of celestial objects in the night sky is affected by light pollution, with the presence of the [[Moon]] in the night sky historically hindering astronomical observation by increasing the amount of ambient lighting. With the advent of artificial light sources, however, [[light pollution]] has been a growing problem for viewing the night sky. Special filters and modifications to light fixtures can help to alleviate this problem, but for the best views, both professional and amateur optical astronomers seek viewing sites located far from major urban areas. In order to avoid light pollution of Earth's sky, among other reasons, many telescopes are put outside of the Earth's atmosphere, where not only light pollution, but also atmospheric distortion and obscuration are minimized.

== Commonly observed objects ==
The most commonly observed objects tend to be ones that do not require a telescope to view, such as the [[Moon]], [[Meteoroid|meteors]], [[planet]]s, [[constellation]]s, and [[star]]s.

The [[Moon]] is a very commonly observed astronomical object, especially by [[Amateur astronomy|amateur astronomers]] and [[Skygazing|skygazers]]. This is due to several reasons: the Moon is the brightest object in the night sky, the Moon is the largest object in the night sky, and the Moon has long been significant in many cultures, such as being the basis for many calendars. The Moon also does not require any kind of telescope or binoculars to see effectively, making it extremely convenient and common for people to observe.((original research inline|date=January 2021))

[[Meteoroid|Meteors]], often called "shooting stars" are also commonly observed. [[Meteor shower]]s, such as the [[Perseids]] and [[Leonids]], make viewing meteors much easier, as a multitude of meteors are visible in a relatively short period of time.

[[Planet]]s are usually observed with the aid of a telescope or binoculars. [[Venus]] is likely the easiest planet to observe without the aid of any instruments, as it is very bright, and can even be seen in daylight.<ref>((Cite journal|title=1995JBAA..105..311E Page 311|bibcode = 1995JBAA..105..311E| last1=Ellis | first1=E. L. | journal=Journal of the British Astronomical Association | year=1995 | volume=105 | page=311 ))</ref> However, [[Mars]], [[Jupiter]], and [[Saturn]] can also be seen without the aid of telescopes or binoculars.

[[Constellation]]s and [[star]]s are also often observed, and have been used in the past for navigation, especially by ships at sea.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://timeandnavigation.si.edu/navigating-at-sea/navigating-without-a-clock/celestial-navigation|title=Celestial Navigation ((!)) Time and Navigation|website=timeandnavigation.si.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-07-25))</ref> One of the most recognizable constellations is the [[Big Dipper]], which is part of the constellation [[Ursa Major]]. Constellations also serve to help describe the location of other objects in the sky.

==See also==
*[[List of largest optical reflecting telescopes]]
*[[Optical telescope]]
*[[Astronomy]]
*[[Amateur astronomy]]

==References==
((reflist))

((Astronomy navbox))

((DEFAULTSORT:Visible-Light Astronomy))
[[Category:Astronomical imaging]]
[[Category:Observational astronomy]]

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