As mentioned several times, astronomers use a wide variety of tools. Most of these tools are optical and electronic in nature and have been designed to visualize and interpret specific frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, some novel methods have been designed to circumvent various initiations of examining specific frequencies within the spectrum.

Not all of the electromagnetic spectrum is available to study here on Earth, and some levels of our atmosphere offer some additional road-blocks for those frequencies that are accessible.

The following describe the electromagnetic spectrum and its limits here on Earth. By combining instrumentation both in space and on the surface, we are able to study the entire spectrum.