Why are space telescopes able to make better observations in the ultraviolet and infrared ranges than ground-based telescopes?
A)space telescopes are closer to the objects that they are observing
B) the atmosphere absorbs or reflects much of the UV and IR radiation
C) space telescopes have larger mirrors and lenses to detect more wavelengths
D) because UV and IR are electromagnetic radiation, they're affected by earth's magnetic field.
The correct answer is B) the atmosphere absorbs or reflects much of the UV and IR radiation.
Space telescopes are able to make better observations in the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) ranges because the Earth's atmosphere absorbs or reflects a significant portion of the radiation in these wavelengths. The Earth's atmosphere contains molecules and particles that interact with UV and IR radiation, causing them to be absorbed or scattered before they reach the surface. This absorption and scattering reduce the amount of UV and IR light that reaches ground-based telescopes.
To get the answer to this question, understanding the properties of Earth's atmosphere is key. The Earth's atmosphere is made up of several layers and is composed of gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and trace amounts of other elements. These gases interact with different types of electromagnetic radiation in different ways. In the case of UV and IR radiation, they are absorbed or scattered by molecules like ozone and water vapor in the atmosphere.
Therefore, space telescopes, which are positioned outside of Earth's atmosphere, have a significant advantage because they are not affected by the absorption or scattering caused by the atmosphere. They can observe UV and IR radiation without this interference and have a clearer and more detailed view of astronomical objects that emit light in these wavelengths.
It is essential to have an understanding of the properties of Earth's atmosphere, such as how it interacts with different types of radiation, to answer this question correctly.
The correct answer is B) the atmosphere absorbs or reflects much of the UV and IR radiation.
Ground-based telescopes are limited by Earth's atmosphere, which absorbs or reflects much of the ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. This makes observations in these ranges difficult from the ground. Space telescopes, on the other hand, are positioned above the Earth's atmosphere, allowing them to avoid these limitations and obtain clearer and more accurate observations in the UV and IR ranges.