Radio telescopes are instruments used to detect and study electromagnetic radiation from outer space, particularly radio waves. They work by collecting signals from distant celestial objects such as stars, galaxies, and nebulas, then converting these signals into audio or visual representations that can be analyzed for scientific purposes. Radio telescopes operate on a wide range of frequencies, allowing them to observe different aspects of the universe, including star formation, cosmic magnetic fields, and even gravitational waves. They are often used in conjunction with other types of telescopes, such as optical or infrared telescopes, to provide a more comprehensive view of celestial objects and phenomena.