Assign 6.1: Observing Outer Space

p. 250 #2. Which of these statements describes a way scientists can study an object in space regardless of its distance from Earth?

• a. A spacecraft is sent to visit and analyze matter from

  the object.

• b. Scientists collect and analyze matter from the object

  that reaches Earth.

• c. A telescope in orbit concentrates electromagnetic

  radiation from the object, and a spectrograph or other

  instrument is used to analyze the EM radiation.

• d. A telescope on the ground concentrates

  electromagnetic radiation from an object that gives

  off only x-rays.

p. 251 #8. Several of the world’s most powerful reflecting

telescopes are located at the summit of Mauna Kea

in Hawaii, nearly 14,000 feet above sea level. What

ranges of the EM spectrum are better observed at

such a location than at sea level? What ranges are

not observable even at that height?

p. 234 Explain: Why is a larger telescope needed to observe objects that emit or reflect less light?

p. 235 Explain: What part of the electromagnetic spectrum was used to obtain the image of the Horsehead Nebula? Why do you think so?

P. 236 Analyze: Compare the protective effects of Earth’s atmosphere with the ease or difficulty in observing ultraviolet radiation.

p. 236 Explain: Summarize the ways of observing objects and other matter in space. What would be needed to obtain the image of the Horsehead Nebula?