Astronomy instrumentation: Why radio telescopes can outperform optical ones in some situations.
Consider operating conditions and the ability to observe through clouds and interstellar dust.
Choose the correct option.
Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: They can operate day and night and through clouds/dust with minimal attenuation
Explanation:
Concept
Radio wavelengths are weakly affected by clouds and can penetrate interstellar dust better than optical light.
Thus, radio telescopes can observe day/night and in suboptimal weather; with interferometry they also achieve high angular resolution.
Final Answer They can operate day and night and through clouds/dust with minimal attenuation
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