Telescopes designed to observe infrared radiation
A) must be placed in orbit above Earth's atmosphere.
B) can be placed on Earth's surface as long as the altitude is high enough to avoid water vapor, the prime absorber of infrared radiation in the atmosphere.
C) can be placed on Earth's surface as long as the altitude is high enough to avoid carbon dioxide, the prime absorber of infrared radiation in the atmosphere.
D) can be placed at any convenient location on Earth's surface because infrared radiation penetrates one of the "windows" of transparency in the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water vapor is the primary absorber of infrared radiation in Earth's atmosphere, so infrared telescopes are often placed at high altitudes to minimize this interference.

Telescopes Designed to Observe Infrared Radiation