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    Spectra From Space

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     1. Why do we need to launch telescopes on satellites above the Earth's atmosphere?
    a. It is less expensive than building telescopes on the ground.
    b. We are running out of places to build telescopes.
    c. The Moon is so bright that we cannot see faint stars from the ground.
    d. The atmosphere blocks some wavelengths of radiation astronomers want to observe.

    2. The earth's atmosphere allows what wavelengths to pass through?

    a. Infrared and gamma ray
    b. Visible and radio
    c. X ray and visible
    d. Ultraviolet and infrared

    3. A good infrared radiator is:

    a. a comet
    b. your skin
    c. Jupiter
    d. all of the above

    4. Infrared radiation is produced by:

    a. Objects that are far away
    b  Objects that are nearby
    c. Relatively cool objects
    d. Relatively hot objects

    5. The human eye is sensitive to:

    a. visible light
    b. visible and radio wavelengths
    c. radio wavelengths
    d. infrared wavelengths

    6. Describe briefly what a spectroscope does:

    A spectroscope is a device for spreading out light so that different  wavelengths form a linear band,  making a spectrum that can be seen or measured.

    7. What can scientists learn by using a spectroscope to look at light from a star?

    Scientists can see what kinds of light the star produces, and how much at each wavelength.  From this, they can tell the star's age and temperature, and some of the elements in its outer layers. Scientists can also look at  light  coming from clouds of gas, or in the sky's "background".  Gas clouds are often regions where stars are forming, and the microwave background has helped confirm the idea that the universe has been expanding since the big bang.

    The Subject:

    1. Would you like to learn more about spectra and satellites?

    2. What was one thing you learned that you didn't know before?

    3. Would you like to learn more about Earth and Space Science?

    4. Did you tell anyone outside the class about the internet lesson?     Who?  What did you say?

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