Question

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 is correct. Student 1 is partially correct about distortion, and Student 3 is incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Student 1's Statement

Student 1 claims that telescopes are put in space because the Earth's atmosphere distorts and magnifies light. While it's true that the atmosphere distorts light due to turbulence, causing a phenomenon known as 'seeing,' which can blur images, it does not magnify objects. Therefore, this statement is partially correct in identifying distortion but incorrect about magnification as a reason for space telescopes.

Evaluating Student 2's Statement

Student 2 suggests that Earth's atmosphere blocks certain wavelengths of light, necessitating space telescopes. This is accurate because Earth's atmosphere absorbs and scatters light at various wavelengths, especially ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, which do not reach the ground. Telescopes in space can observe these wavelengths without atmospheric interference.

Assessing Student 3's Statement

Student 3 believes space telescopes are closer to astronomical objects, making them appear brighter. However, the vast distances in space mean that the change in distance due to a telescope's orbit is negligible compared to the distance to celestial bodies. The main advantage of space telescopes is the clear, unobstructed view without atmospheric distortion.

Key concepts

Atmospheric Distortion

When stargazing from Earth, the twinkling stars seem to dance in the night sky. This effect is largely due to atmospheric distortion. Atmospheric distortion occurs because air in the Earth's atmosphere is turbulent. This turbulence causes light from stars and other celestial objects to bend as it travels through the atmosphere. This phenomenon, known as "seeing," can blur images captured by ground-based telescopes. However, it's important to note that while atmospheric distortion affects the clarity of the imagery, it doesn't actually magnify objects in the sky.

Wavelength Blocking

Certain wavelengths of light simply cannot reach us through Earth's atmosphere. This is because the atmosphere acts like a shield, blocking specific types of radiation. Light beyond the visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays, is absorbed or scattered before reaching the surface. This "wavelength blocking" means that ground-based observatories are limited in the types of observations they can make. Space telescopes, placed above the atmosphere, can capture these blocked wavelengths, giving us a clearer and more complete understanding of the universe.

Astronomical Observation

To explore the universe effectively, scientists rely on astronomical observation. This involves using various types of telescopes and instruments to gather information from electromagnetic waves. These observations help in studying distant stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena. Telescopes in space have a huge advantage in capturing clearer images and broader spectrums of light without the interference of Earth's narrow atmospheric window. These observations have greatly expanded our knowledge of the cosmos.

Earth's Atmosphere

Our Earth is wrapped in a gaseous layer known as the atmosphere. This atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen and oxygen. While it sustains life by absorbing harmful solar radiation and regulating temperature, it also affects astronomical observations. Besides blocking harmful wavelengths of light, the atmosphere creates distortion and light pollution, both of which make it challenging to obtain precise celestial images from the ground. Understanding the dual role of the atmosphere is crucial for developing better ground-based and space-based observational technologies.

Space Exploration

Space exploration is driven by the human desire to understand the universe. By placing telescopes and exploratory missions in space, we access views free from atmospheric distortion and wavelength blocking. Space telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope have captured breathtaking images of the distant universe and have led to groundbreaking discoveries. The clarity and detail from space observations have offered insights into the origins of the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth, fulfilling humanity's age-old quest to explore the unknown.