Providing wavelength coverage from 3 to 180 microns, Spitzer
is an important addition to scientific Hubble Space Telescope
(English) and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory (English). The
smaller wavelength infrared (near-infrared) can see through regions heavily
obscured by dust, so that astronomers can study newborn stars. The long
wavelengths (far infrared) are very useful for studying the distribution of
dust in the Milky Way, an important ingredient for the formation of planets and
stars
About 80% of Spitzer observing time will be available to the
wider scientific community, through a contest organized observing proposals by
the Spitzer Science Center.
