LINEARs

LINEARs, or the Large-scale Infrared Near-infrared and Ultraviolet Sky Survey, was a project designed to observe a significant portion of the sky. It aimed to map the distribution of celestial objects in infrared, near-infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths. This extensive survey provided valuable data for astronomers studying a wide range of astrophysical phenomena. The primary goal was to identify and catalog a vast number of stars, galaxies, and other cosmic entities that emit light in these specific parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The survey was conducted using specialized telescopes equipped to detect infrared and ultraviolet radiation, which are often obscured from ground-based optical telescopes due to atmospheric absorption. By observing in these wavelengths, LINEARs could penetrate dust clouds and reveal objects that might otherwise be hidden. The data collected by LINEARs has been instrumental in understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies, the properties of exoplanetary systems, and the composition of interstellar matter. The project contributed to a deeper understanding of the universe by providing a comprehensive catalog of objects across vast cosmic distances.