Because of the protective effect of the atmosphere , ground-based telescopes can’t pick up the lethal, invisible portions of the electromagnetic spectrum such as ultraviolet rays, x-rays and gamma rays. These parts of the spectrum help astronomers extract better pictures of stars and other space phenomena.
Do telescopes have a limit?
Technically there is no reason to have a maximum size for a telescope . Practically it is a difficult task to build a gigantic mirror. Nowadays the biggest mirrors are done segmenting in smaller mirrors assembled together.
Why are telescopes limited?
Ground-based telescopes can’t do the same, because the Earth’s atmosphere absorbs a lot of the infrared and ultraviolet light that passes through it . Nevertheless, space-based telescopes are expensive to build and difficult to maintain. ... Other space telescopes cannot be serviced this way.
What are some limitations of telescopes?
- Very high initial cost relative to reflector.
- A certain amount of secondary spectrum (chromatic aberration) unavoidable (reflector completely free of this) The colours cannot focus at one point.
- Long focal ratios can mean that the instrument is cumbersome.
Why are we sending telescopes into space Why can’t we just build a bigger telescope on Earth?
Telescopes are placed into orbit around the Earth or are sent farther out into space to get a clearer view of the Universe . There are many different types of space telescopes. Some are used to study a special object like the Sun. Others are used to study the different types of light given off by objects in space.
What are the disadvantages of the Hubble telescope?
Disadvantages. There are some limitations with the Hubble Space Telescope when imaging the Moon due to its sensitivity to light and it cannot image areas in the direction of the Sun. They are exceptionally expensive to build and position in place. Maintenance is difficult .
What are the benefits of space telescopes?
The main reason we put telescopes into space is to get around the Earth’s atmosphere so that we can get a clearer view of the planets, stars, and galaxies that we are studying. Our atmosphere acts like a protective blanket letting only some light through while blocking others.
Can you see the flag on the moon through a telescope?
Can you see an American flag on the moon with a telescope? Even the powerful Hubble Space Telescope isn’t strong enough to capture pictures of the flags on the moon. But the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the unmanned spacecraft launched in 2009, is equipped with cameras to photograph the moon’s surface .
How much magnification do you need to see Jupiter?
To look at planets like Jupiter and Saturn, you will need a magnification of about 180 ; with that you should be able to see the planets and their moons. If you want to look at the planet alone with higher resolution, you will need a magnification of about 380.
Can you see the Hubble telescope from Earth?
Hubble is best seen from areas of the Earth that are between the latitudes of 28.5 degrees north and 28.5 degrees south . This is because Hubble’s orbit is inclined to the equator at 28.5 degrees. ... In contrast, the ISS passes over much more of the Earth because its orbit has a higher inclination at 51.6 degrees.
What is a major disadvantage of a refracting telescope?
The disadvantages are mainly to do with the hassle of operating in space , It is much more expensive, so, you can’t have such a large telescope, If things go wrong, It is much harder to repair them, You can’t update the instruments, So, they quickly become out of date, Also with the modern technique of Adaptive Optics, ...
What are 2 problems with refracting telescopes?
The two problems with refracting telescopes are a chromatic aberration and spherical aberration .
What are the pros and cons of a refracting telescope?
| Pros Cons | Impressive contrast and sharpness Light and transportable Closed tube = protection against humidity and dust Maintenance and cleaning almost nonexistent Small diameter = less light collected Chromatic aberrations Higher price |
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What flaw made Hubble a laughing stock?
Instead, within days it became a laughing stock. Hubble had an 8-foot diameter mirror, but a chip of paint on a measuring rod caused the huge mirror to be 4 millionths of an inch too flat, leaving the telescope with blurry vision.
What problem is solved by sending telescopes into space?
What problem is solved by sending telescope into space? interference of Earth’s atmosphere in detecting electromagnetic radiation .
What is the biggest telescope in space?
The next-generation James Webb Space Telescope will be the largest and most powerful space science observatory, according to NASA. With its infrared eyes, it will be able to study some of the oldest and most distant stars in the universe.
