Improved resolution is helpful to astronomers because a. they often want to look in detail at small features of an object. b. they often want to look at very distant objects. c. they often want to look at many objects close together. d. all of the above

Short Answer

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d. all of the above

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

The question is asking why improved resolution in telescopes is beneficial to astronomers. We need to explore each provided option to determine which reasons are valid.
02

Evaluate Option a

Option a states that improved resolution helps astronomers look in detail at small features of an object. This is true because higher resolution allows astronomers to see finer details which would otherwise be blurred.
03

Evaluate Option b

Option b states that improved resolution aids in observing very distant objects. This is also true, as distant objects can appear very faint and small, necessitating higher resolution to view them clearly.
04

Evaluate Option c

Option c suggests that improved resolution is beneficial for observing many objects close together. This is correct because higher resolution helps distinguish between objects that are close together in the sky.
05

Conclude Correct Answer

Since options a, b, and c are all valid reasons for why improved resolution is helpful to astronomers, the correct choice is option d: all of the above.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Astronomical Observation
Astronomical observation refers to the practice of studying celestial objects and phenomena. It's a crucial aspect of astronomy and requires careful planning and precision. Astronomers use various tools and methods to observe the universe and collect data.
One of the main goals of astronomical observation is to gather detailed information about objects in space. These observations help us understand the composition, behavior, and history of stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial bodies.
Improved resolution in telescopes plays a significant role in these observations. Higher resolution allows astronomers to see finer details, making it possible to study small features on distant objects. This added detail is essential for advancing our knowledge of the universe.
Telescopes
Telescopes are vital for astronomical observations. They are instruments designed to observe distant objects by collecting and magnifying light. There are various types of telescopes, each suited for different kinds of observation.
The main types of telescopes include:
  • Optical Telescopes: These use lenses or mirrors to gather and focus light, allowing us to see visible light from celestial objects.
  • Radio Telescopes: These detect radio waves from space, providing insights that optical telescopes cannot.
  • Space Telescopes: Positioned outside Earth's atmosphere, these telescopes avoid atmospheric distortion and can capture clearer images of the universe.
Resolution is a key factor in telescope performance. Higher resolution means a clearer and more detailed view of celestial objects. This makes it easier to study distant and closely packed objects in space.
Improved telescope resolution helps astronomers distinguish between objects that are close together, see distant objects more clearly, and examine small features in great detail.
Astronomy
Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe and everything in it. This field covers a wide range of topics from the behavior of celestial objects to the origin and evolution of the universe.
Key areas of focus in astronomy include:
  • Planetary Science: The study of planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system.
  • Stellar Astronomy: The examination of stars, including their formation, evolution, and death.
  • Galactic Astronomy: The study of galaxies, including their structure, behavior, and interactions.
  • Cosmology: The exploration of the universe as a whole, including its origin, structure, and ultimate fate.
Resolution in telescopes is critical for all areas of astronomical research. Better resolution allows scientists to gather more precise data and make more accurate observations.
By improving the resolution of telescopes, astronomers can see the universe in greater detail, helping to answer fundamental questions about the nature of our cosmos.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A webcast for the International Year of Astronomy 2009 called "Around the World in 80 Telescopes" can be accessed at http://eso.org/public/events/special-evt/100ha.html. The 80 telescopes are situated all over, including Antarctica and space. Pick two of the telescopes and watch the videos, Do you think these videos are effective for public outreach for the observatory in question or for astronomy in general? For each telescope you choose, answer the following questions: Does the telescope observe in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere? What wavelengths does the telescope observe? What are some of the key science projects at the telescope?

The VLBA employs an array of radio telescopes ranging across \(8,000 \mathrm{km}\) of Earth's surface from the Virgin Islands to Hawaii. a. Calculate the angular resolution of the array when radio astronomers are observing interstellar water molecules at a microwave wavelength of \(1.35 \mathrm{cm}\) b. How does this resolution compare with the angular resolution of two large optical telescopes separated by 100 meters and operating as an interferometer at a visible wavelength of \(550 \mathrm{nm}\) ?

Match the following properties of telescopes (lettered) with their corresponding definitions (numbered). a. aperture b. resolution c. focal length d. chromatic aberration e. diffraction f. interferometer g. adaptive optics (1) two or more telescopes connected to act as one (2) distance from lens to focal plane (3) diameter (4) ability to distinguish close objects (5) computer-controlled atmospheric distortion correction (6) rainbow-making effect (7) smearing effect due to sharp edge

Consider two optically perfect telescopes having different diameters but the same focal length. Is the image of a star larger or smaller in the focal plane of the larger telescope? Explain your answer.

Spacecraft are the most effective way to study planets in our Solar System because a. planets move too fast across the sky for us to image them well from Earth. b. planets cannot be imaged from Earth. c. they can collect more information than is available just from images. d. space missions are easier than long observing campaigns.

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