How do space telescopes observe cosmic microwave background radiation?

Space telescopes like the Planck and WMAP are crucial tools in the field of observational astronomy and cosmology. They are specifically designed to detect and study cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the faint glow of light left over from the Big Bang.

Planck telescope: The Planck telescope was launched by the European Space Agency in 2009 and mapped the cosmic microwave background radiation with high precision. It observed the sky in multiple frequencies, allowing scientists to study the temperature fluctuations in the radiation and gain insights into the early universe.

WMAP telescope: The WMAP telescope, launched by NASA in 2001, also played a critical role in mapping the cosmic microwave background radiation. It provided detailed images of the radiation's intensity and polarization, helping scientists confirm key predictions of the Big Bang theory.

Both telescopes operated in space to avoid interference from Earth's atmosphere, which can absorb or distort the microwaves. By studying the cosmic microwave background radiation, these telescopes have provided valuable data that support the Big Bang theory and shed light on the universe's early evolution.