(astronomy observation and analysis of borderline infrared EMR)
Submillimeter astronomy is
the branch of astronomy dealing with the observation
and analysis of the longest-wavelengthinfraredradiation
from astronomical sources. Its range has no strict definition,
but clearly includes 450 μm to 1 mm.
The atmosphere affects observation within the submillimeter range,
but high altitude and dry air improves such observations substantially,
to the point that the range has become very useful in astronomical study.
Millimeter astronomy, by definition, applies to longer
wavelengths, but many telescopes span a range substantially
extending both above and below a millimeter, and the choice of term
incorporated in the telescope's name seems to be a matter of
preference and the
unwieldy phrase millimeter/submillimeter astronomy is sometimes
used as more accurate.
At least some of the submillimeter range is within the range for
which radiointerferometry methods can be adapted,
which yield the highest angular resolution imaging achieved.
The submillimeter range is used for investigating
molecular clouds and star formation, and
star-forming galaxies (e.g., submillimeter galaxies).
Some current and planned submillimeter-capable telescopes: