Why do we need to send an X-ray telescope into space?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: Why do we need to send an X-ray telescope into space?

Option 1: 'An X-ray is radioactive and dangerous if observed on the ground.' This is not accurate. X-rays themselves are not inherently radioactive; the danger on Earth comes from exposure to intense X-ray radiation, but the key reason for space telescopes is not safety from radioactivity but atmospheric absorption. So this statement misrepresents the main issue.

Option 2: 'There is no pollution in space.' While space is a vacuum with no atmospheric air, pollution is not the central reason for launching a telescope into space. This answer confuses the broader context of observational clarity with a false claim about pollution, making it incorrect.

Option 3: 'The space telescope can get closer to the star and take a larger image.' In practice, we cannot get arbitrarily close to stars with X-ray telescopes due to extreme radiation, gravitational forces, and safety concerns. Proximity does not translate into better X-ray imaging in this context, and the concept overlooks how X-ray telescopes actually operate (e.g., using grazing incidence mirrors) and why space is preferred.

Option 4: 'Earth's atmosphere absorbs an X-ray.' This statement identifies the fundamental reason: Earth's atmosphere blocks most X-rays from reaching the surface, so X-ray astronomy must be conducted from above the atmosphere. By operating in space, telescopes can detect X-rays that do not penetrate the atmosphere, enabling observations that are impossible from the ground.

Additional considerations: Evaluating all options shows that the central, scientifically accurate justification is tied to atmospheric absorption of X-rays, which motivates placing X-ray observatories in space rather than on Earth. The other choices either mischaracterize X-ray properties, misstate observational capabilities, or attribute irrelevant factors to the mission design.

COS SPR 25 class 2 Jan 28 Ch6: Telescopes

Why do we need to send an X-ray telescope into space?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

The Chandra Observatory orbiting the Earth is designed to

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

Which of the following statement regarding cost is correct:

Under the assumptions used in cost-volume-profit analysis, as the activity increases:

The CVP and break-even analysis are supported by a range of important assumptions. Which of the following is not an assumption of the CVP:

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler