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Question
why do telescopes in space get a more complete picture of space objects?
Hi Annie,
Telescopes in space are outside of earth's atmosphere. Telescopes on earth must see through a very turbulent and churning atmosphere, with different temperature layers, winds, dust, etc. It's almost like viewing the sky from the bottom of a fish tank that someone is constantly dropping pebbles in! But those space telescopes - without the atmosphere to interfere with the image - can see distant objects very clearly. They can get higher "resolution" (see more detail) and use higher powers without the image "jumping around". That's why telescopes in space can get a clearer picture of the universe.
Hope that helps.
Prof. James Gort
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Astronomy
Answers by Expert:
James Gort
Expertise
Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.
Experience
I was a professional astronomer (University of Texas, McDonald Observatory), lecturer at the Adler Planetarium, professor of astrophysics, and amateur astronomer for 42 years. I have made numerous telescopes, and I am currently building one of the largest private observatories in Canada.
Publications
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications
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