There's more to light than meets the eye!
It is a special kind of energy, called electromagnetic radiation, and it travels in waves.
![diagram showing wavelengths for gamma rays, x-rays, ultraviolet tradition, infrared radiation, microwaves, and radio waves](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/light-matter-and-energy/wavelength-diagram/4600298-1-eng-US/wavelength-diagram_full_495.gif 355w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/light-matter-and-energy/wavelength-diagram/4600298-1-eng-US/wavelength-diagram_full_990.gif 355w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/light-matter-and-energy/wavelength-diagram/4600298-1-eng-US/wavelength-diagram_full_1468.gif 355w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/light-matter-and-energy/wavelength-diagram/4600298-1-eng-US/wavelength-diagram_full_1980.gif 355w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/light-matter-and-energy/wavelength-diagram/4600298-1-eng-US/wavelength-diagram_full_2475.gif 355w)
Visible light waves come in different sizes: short ones look blue and long ones look red. All other electromagnetic radiation is invisible to our eyes — like the very long waves that can carry signals to radios.
Whatever the size, you won't find anything that goes faster than light. Why not? That's a light mystery that's kept scientists in the dark — so far.
Image Credits:
Photos: Michael Shara: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH; Illustrations: Equation Invasion: Tony Persiani; Everyday Einstein: Daryll Collins; Light the Way: Space cop: Daniel Guidera; Electromagnetic Spectrum: Eric Hamilton