NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory and SOFIA are two examples of telescopes placed in high-flying aircraft. Why would astronomers put telescopes in airplanes?
A) to get the telescopes closer to the stars
B) to get the telescopes away from the light-pollution of cities
C) to get the telescopes above the majority of the water vapor in the earth's atmosphere
D) to be able to observe one object for more than 24 hours without stopping.
E) to allow the telescopes to observe the full spectrum of light

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Telescopes placed in high-flying aircraft, like NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory and SOFIA, are used to get the telescopes above the majority of the water vapor in the earth's atmosphere. This allows astronomers to observe celestial objects in the infrared part of the spectrum and also reduces the atmospheric distortion of images.

NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory and SOFIA Are Two Examples of Telescopes