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How do telescopes help us learn about the universe?
Telescopes have opened our eyes to the universe. Early telescopes showed that Earth was not the center of the universe, as was previously believed. They also showed mountains and craters on the moon. Later telescopes have revealed geography and weather on the planets in our solar system.
How do telescopes collect and analyze data from stars?
Radio telescopes collect and focus radio waves from distant objects. Space telescopes orbit Earth, collecting wavelengths of light that are normally blocked by the atmosphere. Modern telescopes collect data that can be stored on a computer. Astronomers can learn a lot about a star by studying its spectrum.
Why can the Hubble telescope see our universe so clearly?
The mixture of gases that surround a planet is called its atmosphere. Earth’s atmosphere changes and blocks some of the light that comes from space. Hubble flies around, or orbits, high above Earth and its atmosphere. So, Hubble can see space better than telescopes on Earth can.
Why do we put telescopes in the space?
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. Most of the time this is a good thing.
Why are telescopes important in astronomy?
The telescope is undoubtedly the most important investigative tool in astronomy. It provides a means of collecting and analyzing radiation from celestial objects, even those in the far reaches of the universe.
Why do we put telescopes in space?
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.
Why was the Hubble telescope out of focus?
In late June, Hubble failed a focusing test. Its mirrors had been carefully ground to focus incoming light from celestial objects, but the images were smeared by a halo-like fog. The cause was spherical aberration in its primary mirror.