Question

1: "I think it is… # Consider the following discussion among three of your classmates regarding why telescopes are put in space. Support or refute each statement. Student # 1: "I think it is because the atmosphere distorts and magnifies light, which causes objects to look larger than they actually are." Student \(\\# 2\) : "I thought it was because some of the wavelengths of light being sent out from the telescopes can be blocked by Earth's atmosphere so the telescopes need to be above the atmosphere." Student #3: "Wait, I thought it was because by moving the telescope above the atmosphere the telescope is closer to the objects, which makes them appear brighter."

Short answer

Student #2's statement is correct; others are incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Student #1's Statement

Let's evaluate Student #1's claim: "the atmosphere distorts and magnifies light". While it is true that Earth's atmosphere can distort light due to atmospheric turbulence, it does not magnify light in the sense that it makes objects appear larger. It actually scatters light, causing stars to twinkle. Therefore, the statement about making objects look larger is incorrect.

Analyzing Student #2's Statement

Now consider Student #2's statement: "Some wavelengths of light can be blocked by Earth's atmosphere." This is accurate. The Earth's atmosphere absorbs and blocks certain wavelengths, like ultraviolet, X-rays, and many infrared wavelengths, preventing them from reaching ground-based telescopes. Space telescopes bypass this issue by operating outside the atmosphere.

Analyzing Student #3's Statement

Finally, look at Student #3's assertion: "Moving the telescope closer to objects makes them appear brighter." This is incorrect. The brightness of astronomical objects does not significantly increase by merely being in space. The main advantage of space telescopes is the unobstructed view above Earth's atmosphere, not proximity to celestial objects.

Key concepts

Atmospheric Distortion

When we look at stars from Earth, they often appear to twinkle. This is due to a phenomenon called atmospheric distortion. The Earth's atmosphere is constantly moving and made up of layers with different temperatures. As light from stars passes through these layers, it gets bent or refracted multiple times. This causes the light to scatter, which is why stars seem to twinkle.
Unlike a magnifying glass that enlarges objects, the atmosphere doesn't magnify light. Instead, atmospheric distortion can blur the images we see through telescopes on Earth, reducing their clarity and detail. Space telescopes like the Hubble can bypass this issue by operating from outside our atmosphere, providing clearer and more accurate images of space objects.

Wavelength Blocking

Earth's atmosphere blocks or absorbs certain wavelengths of light, which limits what ground-based telescopes can observe. Although the atmosphere is transparent to visible light, it blocks significant portions of ultraviolet (UV), X-rays, and infrared light.
This blocking is beneficial for protecting life on Earth from harmful radiation. However, for astronomers, it means they miss out on observing crucial information carried by these wavelengths. Space telescopes overcome this limitation by positioning themselves outside the atmosphere, giving scientists access to a broader spectrum of light. This enables observations that are impossible from the ground, advancing our understanding of the universe.

Astronomical Observation

Astronomy requires observing distant celestial objects like stars, galaxies, and planets. With telescopes situated on Earth, atmospheric interference can greatly hinder these observations. Problems like the aforementioned atmospheric distortion and wavelength blocking are significant barriers.
Space telescopes provide a solution by offering an unobstructed view into the cosmos. Positioned outside Earth's atmosphere, they can capture clear, detailed images of astronomical phenomena across various wavelengths. This clarity aids in studying events such as supernovae, black holes, and cosmic microwave background radiation, expanding our knowledge of the universe.

Space-Based Advantages

Launching telescopes into space offers multiple advantages over their terrestrial counterparts. The primary benefit is the elimination of atmospheric effects like distortion and blocking, allowing for clearer and more detailed astronomical observations.
In addition to a broad range of visible light, space telescopes can detect non-visible wavelengths, such as ultraviolet, X-rays, and infrared. These capabilities open new windows into the universe, revealing phenomena that are invisible to ground-based instruments. Furthermore, space telescopes experience continuous observation cycles without day-night interruptions, providing uninterrupted data collection, enhancing the quality and quantity of information gathered.