This unique observatory allows astronomical observations from anywhere on Earth with freedom from cloud cover. Since beginning operation, the KAO has been the scene of several major discoveries, including the first sightings of the rings of Uranus and a definitive identification of an atmosphere on Pluto. It's a national facility that is available, like many ground-based observatories, to any organization having a valid research effort.
Modern astronomy uses all regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Earth's atmosphere absorbs most infrared light, as well as gamma rays, X-rays, and ultraviolet light. The KAO, flying at 41,000 feet, is above 85 percent of the Earth's atmosphere and more than 99 percent of the Earth's water vapor. In this clear, dry environment, astronomers can study radiant heat patterns from stars, planets and other celestial sources-radiation normally absorbed by atmospheric water vapor before reaching the Earth's surface. The heat patterns are detected as infrared and far-infrared radiation, invisible electromagnetic wavelengths longer than visible light and shorter than radiowaves. Infrared detection can locate cosmic sources that are not hot enough to emit visible light.