This infrared image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows a cloud of gas and dust full of bubbles. (NASA \/ JPL-Caltech)<\/p>\n
Next week, the last of four NASA space-based observatories will retire. The Spitzer Space Telescope brought the universe into a new light (literally), revealing images of planets, solar systems, stars and more in infrared renderings that human eyes aren't able to see otherwise. <\/p>\n
\"Infrared light provides unique perspectives on the universe,\" said Michael Warner, a project scientist for Spitzer at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. \"In the infrared, we have some unique things we can do to augment our understanding.\" <\/p>\n
To that end, Spitzer - which launched in 2003 - allowed scientists to see stars in distant galaxies, planets that might be too cool to produce much light, and parts of the universe that are otherwise blocked by small particles. <\/p>\n
\"We call these the old, the cold, and the dirty,\" said Warner. <\/p>\n
The other space observatories in Spitzer's class include the Hubble Space Telescope, Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. In 2016, NASA announced that Spitzer and Hubble had identified GN-z11, the most distant galaxy scientists had observed to date. <\/p>\n
Spitzer will retire on Jan. 30. Here are some of the images it has taken over the years. Live long and prosper, old friend.<\/p>\n
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NASA's Spitzer Telescope Revealed Colors Unseeable By The Human Eye. It Retires Next Week - LAist<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This infrared image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows a cloud of gas and dust full of bubbles. (NASA \/ JPL-Caltech) Next week, the last of four NASA space-based observatories will retire. The Spitzer Space Telescope brought the universe into a new light (literally), revealing images of planets, solar systems, stars and more in infrared renderings that human eyes aren't able to see otherwise. Continue reading