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The speed of light is not infinite. Light takes time to travel from distant galaxies to our eyes here on Earth. If a galaxy is 1 billion light years away, it has taken 1 billion years for the light emitted by said galaxy to reach us here, so (obviously) we are seeing the light emitted 1 billion years ago. In a sense, we are seeing 1 billion years into the past at the light emitted by that galaxy.

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Q: How do astronomers observing distant galaxies talk about looking backward in time?
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Why is spring one of the best seasons to observe distant galaxies?

Spring is a good season for observing distant galaxies because it offers clearer skies with less atmospheric turbulence compared to other seasons. This results in better visibility of faint objects, allowing astronomers to capture more detailed images of distant galaxies. Additionally, spring nights are longer and have darker skies, providing more observing time for studying these celestial objects.


How does a spectroscope enable astronomers to determine the characteristics of distant stars and galaxies?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectroscopy


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Scientists study distant galaxies to understand the formation, evolution, and properties of galaxies over time. By observing galaxies that are far away, they can explore the universe at different epochs and gain insights into how galaxies have changed and evolved since the early universe. Studying distant galaxies also helps scientists refine theories about the laws of physics and the nature of the universe as a whole.


How can astronomers infer approximately how long the universe has been expanded?

Astronomers can determine the expansion of the universe by observing the cosmic background radiation, and the red- or blue-shifting of distant objects.


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The Doppler effect applies to light waves as well as sound waves. Astronomers use this to measure the motion of stars and galaxies. In 1929 Edwin Hubble discovered that light from distant galaxies was?

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