An interstellar gas is emitting 10-centimeter wavelength radiation, and a nearby star is emitting 10-micrometer wavelength radiation. Which of these can you observe through an Earth-based telescope?
A) the interstellar gas
B) the star
C) Both interstellar gas and the star.
D) None of these choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earth's atmosphere is transparent to radio waves, such as the 10-centimeter wavelength emitted by the interstellar gas, allowing it to be observed with Earth-based telescopes. However, the 10-micrometer wavelength emitted by the star falls in the infrared range, which is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere, making it difficult to observe from the ground.

An Interstellar Gas Is Emitting 10-Centimeter Wavelength Radiation, and a Nearby