/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 28 Why must astronomers use satelli... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 28

Why must astronomers use satellites and Earth-orbiting observatories to study the heavens at X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Astronomers must use satellites and Earth-orbiting observatories to study the heavens at X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths because the Earth's atmosphere is opaque to these wavelengths. This means it absorbs these high-energy wavelengths before they can reach traditional ground-based telescopes. With instruments in space that can read these wavelengths, astronomers gain vital insight into high-energy celestial phenomena.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

Astronomy relies on the detection of different types of light, or electromagnetic radiation, to study celestial objects. Some of this radiation cannot pass through the Earth's atmosphere, which leads us to the necessity of using space-based observatories for certain wavelengths.
02

Explain Absorption of X-ray and Gamma-ray Wavelengths

The Earth's atmosphere is opaque to X-rays and gamma rays, meaning it absorbs these high-energy wavelengths from space. This prevents these wavelengths from reaching ground-based telescopes. Astronomers, therefore, cannot obtain X-ray and gamma-ray data about celestial bodies from Earth's surface.
03

Discuss the Need for Space-Based Observatories

Since these X-rays and gamma rays can't penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, astronomers must send instruments into space. With satellites and Earth-orbiting observatories equipped to read these wavelengths, astronomers can study objects such as black holes, neutron stars, and superheated gas clouds, which emit high-energy radiation.
04

Conclude the Explanation

In summary, X-ray and gamma-ray wavelengths provide essential information about the universe, but they can only be detected in space due to the absorption properties of the Earth's atmosphere. Hence the need for astronomers to use satellites and Earth-orbiting observatories. This knowledge allows a greater understanding of the high-energy universe.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

No major observatory has a Newtonian reflector as its primary instrument, whereas Newtonian reflectors are extremely popular among amateur astronomers. Explain why this is so.

Why can radio astronomers make observations at any time during the day, whereas optical astronomers are mostly limited to observing at night? (Hint: Does your radio work any better or worse in the daytime than at night?)

How are the images made by an X-ray telescope different from those made by a medical X-ray machine?

Three of the telescopes shown in Figure 6-16-the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO), and the Submillimeter Array (SMA)are designed to detect radiation with wavelengths close to \(1 \mathrm{~mm}\). Search for current information about JCMT, CSO, and SMA on the World Wide Web. What kinds of celestial objects emit radiation at these wavelengths? What can astronomers see using JCMT, CSO, and SMA that cannot be observed at other wavelengths? Why is it important that they be at high altitude? How large are the primary mirrors used in JCMT, CSO, and SMA? What are the differences among the three telescopes? Which can be used in the daytime? What recent discoveries have been made using JCMT, CSO, or SMA?

What is spherical aberration? How can it be corrected?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Kinematics Physics

Read Explanation

Fields in Physics

Read Explanation

Space Physics

Read Explanation

Measurements

Read Explanation

Rotational Dynamics

Read Explanation

Torque and Rotational Motion

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.