Discussion Questions: Infrared Search for Origins

• How does the Spitzer Space Telescope (formerly called the Space Infrared Telescope Facility) help us see beyond the thick clouds of dust in areas of star formation? What can we see with the infrared technology?
• What kind of star is a brown dwarf? Why should we study them?
• What happens to the dust, clouds, and elements expelled from a dying star in a supernova?
• How do you think an infrared telescope differs from other types of telescopes, e.g., optical, radio telescopes?
• The narrator explains this technology may give us clues about the origins of the universe. What kinds of clues do you think scientists are looking for?