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The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Graphic shows the shortest, most energetic wavelengths at the left and the longest, least energetic to the right.

Gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light (the visible rainbow), infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves are all forms of light (also called electromagnetic radiation). Together, they make up the electromagnetic spectrum. Each band of light has a different range of wavelengths: Gamma rays are the shortest and radio waves are the longest.

  • Release Date
    July 2, 2021
  • Credit
    Illustration: NASA, ESA, CSA, Leah Hustak (STScI)

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Last Updated
Aug 28, 2025
Contact
Media

Laura Betz
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
laura.e.betz@nasa.gov

Illustration Credit

NASA, ESA, CSA, Leah Hustak (STScI)