The main reason for placing a telescope and scientific equipment into an aircraft to carry out infrared astronomy is to
A) obtain photographs of resolution higher than can be obtained on the ground.
B) avoid stray IR radiation from the warm Earth and its occupants.
C) avoid the absorption of the IR radiation by water vapor.
D) obtain longer observing times on specific sources by moving in the direction of Earth's rotation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary reason for using an aircraft for infrared astronomy is to avoid the absorption of infrared radiation by water vapor in the Earth's atmosphere. Water vapor absorbs a significant portion of infrared radiation, making it difficult to observe from ground-based telescopes. By flying at high altitudes, the aircraft can get above most of the atmospheric water vapor, allowing clearer observations of the infrared universe.

The Main Reason for Placing a Telescope and Scientific Equipment