1 | Introduction
2 | Getting Started
3 | Basic Instructions for Finding Images
4 | A Simple Example of Finding and Downloading Images
5 | A More General and Typical Example
6 | Finding Objects That Are in the Solar System
7 | How to Make a Color Image From WISE

Introduction
NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) is a space telescope that mapped the entire sky in infrared wavelengths. It scanned the entire sky while continuously taking images in four different wavelengths of infrared light. Most of WISE’s primary mission occurred during 2010, during which it took more than 2.7 million images, capturing objects ranging from faraway galaxies to asteroids relatively close to Earth.

People across the globe can now find and download these images directly from the WISE archive. In other words, anyone with an internet connection now has free access to high-resolution infrared images of any object in the night sky, images that can only be taken from space. These instructions will explain exactly how to get the images you want.

The WISE archive was created for use by professional astronomers, so it contains some complex terminology and options that may be difficult for the layperson to navigate. With this in mind, these instructions were created to simplify the process and make it more understandable and accessible for the general public. The goal is to provide enough guidance for anyone – teachers, students, amateur astronomers, anyone who’s interested – to be able to find infrared images of any astronomical object they choose.

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