Systems for Looking into Space Flashcards
Name 2 types of telescopes
Radio telescope, optical telescope
How does an optical telescope work?
The objective lens collects light from a distant object and brings the light or image to a point of focus. An eyepiece lens takes this bright light and spreads it out (magnifies it) so that we can see it. A magnifying glass works in the same way.
Name the parts of a simple telescope
- A long tube, made of metal or plastic.
- A glass lens at the front end, nearest to what you are looking at- objective lens.
- A second glass lens, near your eye- eyepiece lens
Who invented the telescope?
Galileo Galilei
When looking into outer space, what causes images to go fuzzy?
The Earth’s atmosphere.
How do scientists gather extra information about celestial bodies on outer space?
They:
- Mainly use optical telescopes at night
- Take photographs through optical telescopes and study them closely
- Place large telescopes on high mountains so that there is less atmosphere to look through
What is the definition of radio waves?
Invisible waves given off by bodies in space, similar but different to light waves.
How do radio telescopes work?
They do not have lenses or mirrors, instead they collect radio waves from bodies in space. The more radio telescopes, the more information collected.
What is an array, and how does it work?
A group of telescopes spread out so that they each collect slightly different information. When this information is put together, it gives us a much bigger picture.
What is a rover?
It is a vehicle with special wheels and axles, designed to travel on the moon or other planets.
Who was the first man to walk on the moon, and when?
Neil Armstrong. 20 July, 1969
Has anyone ever landed on Mars?
No.
