• Explain The Importance Of Telescopes In Astronomy
Helen Threet
SCI/151
April 20, 2015
Telescopes in Astronomy
Telescopes have proven to be one of the greatest inventions in the science of astronomy. This instrument, which makes far-away objects more visible has facilitated both learning about and understanding our universe. This paper will discuss the importance of telescopes, their three major designs, and the strengths and weaknesses of different locations for telescopes. In addition, this paper will discuss the frequencies of light and the role they play in telescopes. Without the telescope, many discoveries in the field of astronomy would not have been possible.
Invention of the Telescope:
While there has been debate as to who invented the first telescope, the first person to apply for a patent for one was Hans Lippershey, in 1608 (Cox, 2013). Galileo designed his own version of the telescope in 1609, and was the first person to use one to look at …show more content…
Visible light penetrates the atmosphere, and is visible on the Earth’s surface on clear nights. Other types of light, however, are absorbed by atoms and molecules in the atmosphere and do not ever reach the surface of the Earth. Because the majority of visible light and radio waves do make it through the Earth 's atmosphere, and are visible from the ground, ground-based telescopes may be used at low altitudes (Garner, 2014). Infrared telescopes are typically placed at the top of mountains, so that they are above most of the water molecules in the air. Ultraviolet telescopes are placed in space, since the majority of ultraviolet radiation does not penetrate the Earth 's atmosphere (Hubblesite, 2015). Most infrared light is absorbed by the Earth 's atmosphere, although some can be observed from very high elevations. X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet rays are generally only able to be observed in space (Hubblesite,
SCI/151
April 20, 2015
Telescopes in Astronomy
Telescopes have proven to be one of the greatest inventions in the science of astronomy. This instrument, which makes far-away objects more visible has facilitated both learning about and understanding our universe. This paper will discuss the importance of telescopes, their three major designs, and the strengths and weaknesses of different locations for telescopes. In addition, this paper will discuss the frequencies of light and the role they play in telescopes. Without the telescope, many discoveries in the field of astronomy would not have been possible.
Invention of the Telescope:
While there has been debate as to who invented the first telescope, the first person to apply for a patent for one was Hans Lippershey, in 1608 (Cox, 2013). Galileo designed his own version of the telescope in 1609, and was the first person to use one to look at …show more content…
Visible light penetrates the atmosphere, and is visible on the Earth’s surface on clear nights. Other types of light, however, are absorbed by atoms and molecules in the atmosphere and do not ever reach the surface of the Earth. Because the majority of visible light and radio waves do make it through the Earth 's atmosphere, and are visible from the ground, ground-based telescopes may be used at low altitudes (Garner, 2014). Infrared telescopes are typically placed at the top of mountains, so that they are above most of the water molecules in the air. Ultraviolet telescopes are placed in space, since the majority of ultraviolet radiation does not penetrate the Earth 's atmosphere (Hubblesite, 2015). Most infrared light is absorbed by the Earth 's atmosphere, although some can be observed from very high elevations. X-rays, gamma rays, and ultraviolet rays are generally only able to be observed in space (Hubblesite,