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Chapter 28: Problem 10

Explain why infrared telescopes like those proposed for Darwin and Terrestrial Planet Finder need to be placed in space.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Infrared telescopes like Darwin and Terrestrial Planet Finder need to be placed in space to avoid the influence of earth's atmospheric conditions which interfere with infrared radiations. The space-based locations provide a disturbance-free environment resulting in better and clear observations.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Infrared Telescopes

Infrared telescopes are a type of astronomical telescope that uses infrared light to detect celestial bodies. They are used to view the universe in a way that can't be seen with visible light.
02

Explain the relevance of the Location

The location of a telescope is very important due to various influencing factors. Earth-based locations are influenced heavily by atmospheric conditions like air turbulence, temperature fluctuations, and weather conditions.
03

Discuss Interference with Infrared Radiations

Additionally, the atmospheric components interfere with infrared radiations. Water vapour in the atmosphere absorbs the infrared light, which makes observations less detailed and clear.
04

Explain the benefits of Space-based locations

Space-based observatories, like the Darwin and Terrestrial Planet Finder, avoid these problems. They provide a stable, dry, and consistently cool environment for infrared observations, allowing the infrared telescopes to obtain clear and unobstructed views of the cosmos.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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