7.5 - The Astronomy Community

Question 1

What are the 4 locations where major optical and infrared astronomical observatories are mostly situated at?

Answer 1

• Chile
• Canary Islands
• Hawaii
• Australia

Question 2

What are 4 factors that influence the choice of site of major observatories?

Answer 2

1. High Elevation (How high it is - e.g. on mountains)
2. Frequent cloudless nights
3. Low atmospheric pollution and dry air (e.g. deserts)
4. Sufficient distance from built up areas that cause light pollution (e.g. towns/cities)

Question 3

What are 4 advantages of computer control of telescopes?

Answer 3

1. Being able to work remotely. (Saves time and money)
2. Continuous tracking of objects
3. More precise positioning of the telescope
4. Computer recording and processing of data collected.

Question 4

What are 4 advantages of space telescopes?

Answer 4

1. They are not affected by absorption and refraction effects of the atmosphere.
2. They do not suffer from light pollution.
3. They are not affected by the weather.
4. They can use parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that are absorbed by the atmosphere.

Question 5

What are 2 advantages of space telescopes?

Answer 5

1. VERY expensive to set up, maintain and repair.

2. They are not guaranteed to continue (due to its costs)

Question 6

What are 4 advantages of collaborating nationally in astronomical research?

Answer 6

1. By pooling the resources of several countries, the cost of the telescope can be shared between the countries.
2. Every country can benefit from the research.
3. Creates good relationships with countries.
4. Shares expertise to other countries around the world.

Question 7

What are 2 examples of international collaboration of astronomical research?

Answer 7

1. International Space Station (ISS): A project led by the US but supported by 15 other countries, including the European Space Agency. Each country provides different parts of the Station. It’s the largest science project in history.
2. European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): A project involving astronomers from across Europe, but based in Chile. It’s too complex/expensive for one single country to build and operate.

Question 8

What are 3 non-astronomical factors when considering planning, building, operating and closing down an observatory?

Answer 8

1. COST
2. WORKING CONDITIONS / ACCESS - easy to get to?
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - harming wildlife?
4. SOCIAL IMPACT - providing facilities and jobs?

Question 9

What are 3 topics that international collaborations are studying currently?

Answer 9

1. Gamma ray bursts - can be detected from space to locate coordinates.
2. Supernova - detecting it can study this rare event.
3. Online research - gathering images and the Milky Way project (looking for bubbles of active star information)