Why Do Astronomers Prefer to Put Infrared Telescopes on High-Flying

Multiple Choice

Why do astronomers prefer to put infrared telescopes on high-flying airplanes or on satellites in space?

A) because no infrared radiation can exist anywhere near the Earth's surface
B) because the water vapor in the lower atmosphere is very good at absorbing infrared
C) because high up the Sun's energy can be used to heat the infrared telescope
D) because that way they are significantly closer to the objects they observe
E) You can't fool me, all infrared telescopes are located on the Earth's surface
Section 6.6: The Future of Large Telescopes