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What is the purpose of space observatories?
A space observatory is any instrument in outer space which is used for observation of distant planets, galaxies, and other outer space objects. A large number of observatories have been launched into orbit, and most of them have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the cosmos.
What are the benefits of observatories in space?
The main reason we put telescopes into space is to get around the Earth’s atmosphere so that we can get a clearer view of the planets, stars, and galaxies that we are studying. Our atmosphere acts like a protective blanket letting only some light through while blocking others.
Why are space observatories better for collecting data than Earth based telescopes?
Space-based telescopes like Hubble get a much clearer view of the universe than most of their ground-based counterparts. Ground-based telescopes can’t do the same, because the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs a lot of the infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through it.
Why being in space gives Hubble an advantage over telescopes based on Earth?
Earth’s atmosphere changes and blocks some of the light that comes from space. Hubble flies around, or orbits, high above Earth and its atmosphere. So, Hubble can see space better than telescopes on Earth can. Then Hubble uses radio waves to send the pictures through the air back to Earth.
How do observatories work?
Ground-based observatories, located on the surface of Earth, are used to make observations in the radio and visible light portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In most cases, the entire upper portion of the telescope dome can be rotated to allow the instrument to observe different sections of the night sky.
What is an important discovery that has been made by the Hubble Space Telescope?
Helped pin down the age for the universe now known to be 13.8 billion years, roughly three times the age of Earth. Discovered two moons of Pluto, Nix and Hydra. Helped determine the rate at which the universe is expanding. Discovered that nearly every major galaxy is anchored by a black hole at the centre.
What is the advantage of using a terrestrial telescope?
Because of the protective effect of the atmosphere, ground-based telescopes can’t pick up the lethal, invisible portions of the electromagnetic spectrum such as ultraviolet rays, x-rays and gamma rays. These parts of the spectrum help astronomers extract better pictures of stars and other space phenomena.
What are the advantages of using space based observatories and instruments in gathering data about distant celestial objects?
Space-based observatories are telescopes located beyond Earth, either in orbit around the planet or in deep space. Such observatories allow astronomers to observe the universe in ways not possible from the surface of Earth, usually because of interference from our planet’s atmosphere.
Which telescopes need to operate in space?
The Earth’s atmosphere blocks all X-rays from space, so space telescopes must be used to observe in these wavelengths. X-rays have such high energy that the typical reflecting telescope design used for radio, infrared and optical telescopes cannot be used as the X-rays would just penetrate into the mirror.
Why do we need space based telescopes quizlet?
Telescopes located outside earth’s atmosphere; located there because there is less light distortion caused by atmosphere; able to collect energy or information that doesn’t pass through earth’s atmosphere; Photo: Hubble Space Telescope orbiting earth. …