Exploring NASA's WFIRST and Its Coronagraph

Why is it difficult to observe exoplanets directly?

• They are too far away from Earth.

• Their light is too faint compared to the stars they orbit.

• They are hidden behind cosmic dust.

• They move too quickly across the sky.

What is the primary function of the coronagraph on WFIRST?

• To magnify distant galaxies.

• To block out the light from stars.

• To measure the temperature of exoplanets.

• To capture high-resolution images of asteroids.

How do deformable mirrors in the coronagraph help in observing exoplanets?

• They focus light from multiple stars simultaneously.

• They change shape to correct errors and filter starlight.

• They increase the telescope's field of view.

• They enhance the color contrast of images.

What is one of the significant milestones WFIRST has achieved before its launch?

• It has discovered new exoplanets.

• It has completed a successful design review.

• It has been launched into orbit.

• It has detected dark energy.

What additional scientific goals does WFIRST aim to achieve besides observing exoplanets?

• Mapping the Milky Way galaxy.

• Exploring the moons of Jupiter.

• Studying the surface of Mars.

• Understanding dark energy and infrared astrophysics.