Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Hubble
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Astronomy questions in general knowledge exams often refer to discoveries made by major space telescopes. Bedin 1 is a faint dwarf galaxy located relatively close to the Milky Way on cosmic scales. The discovery of Bedin 1 drew attention because it was found while astronomers were studying a nearby star cluster. This question asks which space telescope was responsible for observing and identifying this dwarf galaxy.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The Hubble Space Telescope has been operational for decades and has made numerous discoveries of galaxies, star clusters, and other deep space objects with high resolution optical and near ultraviolet imaging. Bedin 1 was discovered using Hubble observations while studying the globular cluster NGC 6752. James Webb is more recent, and Spitzer and Planck specialise in infrared and cosmic microwave background observations respectively. The approach is to recall that the specific discovery of Bedin 1 is credited to Hubble data.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that dwarf galaxies are often discovered through detailed high resolution imaging.
Step 2: Recall that reports about Bedin 1 mentioned that it was found serendipitously in Hubble Space Telescope images.
Step 3: Check the options and note that “Hubble” appears as Option B.
Step 4: Consider that James Webb was launched later and would not match the timeframe of this discovery.
Step 5: Choose Hubble as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about the primary mission and typical discoveries for each telescope. Planck is associated with mapping the cosmic microwave background radiation, not with discovering individual dwarf galaxies. Spitzer specialises in infrared observations of star forming regions and exoplanets, while James Webb focuses on very early universe and detailed infrared studies. Hubble, however, has a long record of resolving faint galaxies in and near our Local Group, which aligns perfectly with the Bedin 1 discovery, confirming Option B.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
James Webb: A powerful new telescope, but it was not the one that discovered Bedin 1; the discovery predates its full operations.
Spitzer: Known for infrared observations and many discoveries, yet it is not credited with finding Bedin 1.
Planck: Designed to map cosmic background radiation on very large scales, not to resolve individual dwarf galaxies like Bedin 1.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted to choose James Webb because it is the latest and widely publicised telescope, or they may guess randomly among the four. Another pitfall is not appreciating that Hubble has been responsible for a large number of galaxy discoveries despite its age. To answer correctly, remember that Bedin 1 was a Hubble discovery made during observations of a globular cluster, which directly supports Option B.
Final Answer:
Hubble
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