Where do most x-ray and uv telescopes work best?

Answer 1

Most ultraviolet rays, x-rays, and even gamma rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, inhibiting the use of telescopes in these wavelength regimes from the ground or even at high altitudes. Therefore space telescopes are generally used to study light at these wavelengths. The telescopes can be in circular Earth-orbit or even further out at the Earth/Sun lagrangian points where the telescope can stay relatively still for high resolution images. Some examples include the Chandra x-ray observatory, the Compton gamma ray observatory, the hubble space telescope (visible, infrared, and UV instruments), and the Spitzer space telescope (infrared).

Answer 2

Ultraviolet light is absorbed by the atmosphere, so a UV telescope ought to be outside of the atmosphere, or at least outside of much of the atmosphere. So, in space or at the peaks of high mountains.

Answer 3

X-ray telescopes work best in space because Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays from reaching the surface. UV telescopes also work best in space because Earth's atmosphere absorbs most UV radiation before it reaches the surface. Placing these telescopes in space allows for clearer and more accurate observations of celestial objects in these wavelengths.