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If We Aim a Radio Telescope at a Distant Spiral

Question 66

Multiple Choice

If we aim a radio telescope at a distant spiral arm of the Milky Way Galaxy,we will probably observe a 21-cm line.If we point a large optical telescope at this same region,we will probably not be able to detect the neutral hydrogen that gives rise to the 21-cm radio signal.Why not?


A) Neutral hydrogen is incapable of emitting visible radiation.
B) The Hα line-the primary emission of neutral hydrogen-has a much smaller energy than the 21-cm radio wave and thus is harder to detect.
C) There is little energy in the depths of space to excite visible radiation from neutral hydrogen.
D) The visible light emitted by neutral hydrogen is all absorbed by H II gas regions before reaching the solar system.

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