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Is it better to make astronomical observations from the Moon's surface or from a low earth orbiting observatory?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
One of the main reasons why there is a push to construct a base on the moon is because telescopic observations from the moon would be clearer due to the fact that there would be no interference from an atmosphere, as is experienced on the Earth.
AnswerMoon AnswerThe heavy mirror in a large telescope becomes distorted in a gravitational field when fixed on the earth, which would happen even on the moon with its reduced gravity. This reduces the quality of the image. Actuators placed under the mirror are used to minimise this effect in some large modern telescopes (called active optics, see reference).However, orbiting the earth in space the telescope mirror becomes weightless and these effects can be virtually eliminated. This simplifies the telescope design and the subsequent image quality should be improved.
An orbiting telescope would also be cheaper to launch and service than one located on the Moon.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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What is the astronomical definition of rille?
A depression on the surface that looks like a channel.
Why is The moon surface visible to an observer on earth?
Its surface is visible because of how AU's (Astronomical Units) it is away from the Earth.
How do they find out about the surface on mars?
They use robots. Yes. They also get data from orbiting spacecraft.
What is true meridian?
True meridian through a point is the line in which a plane, passing that point and the north and south poles, intersects with surface of the earth. It thus, passes through the true north and south. the direction of true meridian through a point can be established by astronomical observations.
What is the longitude and latitude of astro signs and the planets?
The system of latitude/longitude is an imaginary matrix that's pinned to the Earth's surface, and was created in order to describe locations on the Earth's surface. The system used to describe the locations of astronomical objects in the sky is similar but separate, and is pinned to the imaginary dome of the sky. You may have noticed that the position of astronomical objects over the Earth's surface is constantly changing ... it only takes a few minutes to notice the change ... and that the positions of the planets change even among the rest of the astronomical objects.
What do you mean by astronomical observation from moon surface vis a vis low earth orbiting observatory?
What is meant is having an observatory on the moon vice in low earth orbit. Search some of the other questions that were answered on this topic for further information.
What is the astronomical definition of rille?
A depression on the surface that looks like a channel.
What advantages would you have if you built an observatory on the lunar surface?
If you built an observatory on the lunar surface, there would be no atmosphere to battle in viewing what you needed to see. Therefore, as far as an observatory goes, one could see more due to the fact that the sky would be much more clear from the moon since it has no atmosphere than that of Earth, which does.
Space orbiting telescopes are found where?
Usually orbiting Earth, that is, in an orbit around Earth, but fairly close to Earth - a few 100 km. distance from Earth's surface, at most.Usually orbiting Earth, that is, in an orbit around Earth, but fairly close to Earth - a few 100 km. distance from Earth's surface, at most.Usually orbiting Earth, that is, in an orbit around Earth, but fairly close to Earth - a few 100 km. distance from Earth's surface, at most.Usually orbiting Earth, that is, in an orbit around Earth, but fairly close to Earth - a few 100 km. distance from Earth's surface, at most.
Why does the Moon's surface is visible to an observer on earth?
Its surface is visible because of how AU's (Astronomical Units) it is away from the Earth.
Why is The moon surface visible to an observer on earth?
Its surface is visible because of how AU's (Astronomical Units) it is away from the Earth.
What methods did astronomers use to study the entire surface of the moon?
Orbiting satellites.
How do they find out about the surface on mars?
They use robots. Yes. They also get data from orbiting spacecraft.
The planet closest to the sun to have satellite?
Venus has two artificial satellites orbiting it, radar-mapping the surface and gathering other useful information about its surface.
A planet with a thick layer of hot clouds covering a rocky surface?
Venus is the only planet orbiting the sun with a thick, hot armosphere and a rocky surface.
What is true meridian?
True meridian through a point is the line in which a plane, passing that point and the north and south poles, intersects with surface of the earth. It thus, passes through the true north and south. the direction of true meridian through a point can be established by astronomical observations.
Which inner planet once had water on it?
The Rover mission confirmed that Mars once had liquid water on its surface.
