What can we learn from the electromagnetic spectrum?

Electromagnetic radiation is all around us, and essential for the survival of all lifeforms. It provides valuable information about the physical world around us, feeds us by providing energy to plants, allows us to maintain human metabolism, and cures us of various diseases. This article deals with the various properties of electromagnetic radiation, its sources and detectors, its nature, and its uses. A brief discussion on the absorption spectrum of the Earth’s atmosphere and the atmospheric windows, and celestial objects seen through optical and radio telescopes is also provided.