Earth’s atmosphere blocks short wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. Which telescopes must be placed in orbit around Earth in order to observe short-wavelength radiation?

Question

Responses
A Gamma-ray telescopesGamma-ray telescopes
B Visible-light telescopesVisible-light telescopes
C Infrared telescopesInfrared telescopes
D Radio telescopes

Answer 1

To observe short-wavelength radiation, such as gamma rays and a portion of the X-ray spectrum, the correct answer is:

A. Gamma-ray telescopes

Gamma-ray telescopes must be placed in orbit around Earth because the atmosphere blocks these high-energy wavelengths, making it impossible to observe them from the ground. Visible-light telescopes, infrared telescopes, and radio telescopes can be operated from the Earth's surface, although some infrared observations may benefit from being placed in space to avoid atmospheric interference.