How Astronomers Study Objects

Question 1

What is a refracting telescope?

Answer 1

A refracting telescope uses a series of lenses to collect and focus light from distant objects.

Question 2

What is a reflecting telescope?

Answer 2

A reflecting telescope uses a series of mirrors to collect and focus light from distant objects.

Question 3

What is the Hubble Space Telescope?

Answer 3

A space-based telescope that collects light mostly in the visible spectrum.

Question 4

What is the Spitzer Space Telescope?

Answer 4

A space-based telescope that collects light mostly in the infrared spectrum.

Question 5

What are two advantages to a reflecting telescope versus a refracting telescope?

Answer 5

Refracting telescopes are smaller because the lenses are heavy. The lenses also need to be perfectly ground on both sides to have sharp images.

Question 6

What are two advantages to space-based telescopes versus Earth-based telescopes?

Answer 6

Space-based telescopes can detect light in parts of the electromagnetic spectrum that Earth’s atmosphere blocks. Space-based telescopes do not have to worry about light pollution.

Question 7

What is the advantage of using more than one type of telescope to capture an image of an object in space?

Answer 7

Objects emit radiation in more than one wavelength. A composite image can provide more details.

Question 8

What is an advantage of using an unmanned probe to a planet instead of a manned mission?

Answer 8

An unmanned probe can contain more scientific instruments because its weight does not include humans or supplies for their survival.