Infrared astronomy is often done from high-flying aircraft because
A) infrared telescopes only need to get above the ozone layer.
B) infrared radiation is absorbed low in Earth's atmosphere.
C) infrared photons are quite energetic.
D) infrared telescopes are not very heavy.
E) infrared sources are very bright.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infrared radiation is absorbed by water vapor and other molecules in the lower atmosphere, so placing telescopes on high-flying aircraft allows them to observe infrared wavelengths more effectively by getting above most of the atmospheric absorption.

Infrared Astronomy Is Often Done from High-Flying Aircraft Because