Chapter 5: The Tools of the Astronomer

Study Plan

In the previous chapter we learned how our understanding of the physical and chemical properties of distant planets, stars, and galaxies comes to us in the form of electromagnetic radiation. But this information must first be collected and processed before it can be analyzed and converted to useful knowledge. Here we will learn about the tools astronomers use to capture and scrutinize that information. We will find that

  • Telescopes of various types collect radiation over the entire range of the electromagnetic spectrum—from gamma rays to radio signals.
  • Optical telescopes come in two basic types, refractors and reflectors; but all of the larger astronomical telescopes are reflectors.
  • Telescope resolution increases with aperture; image size is proportional to a telescope's focal length.
  • Earth's atmosphere distorts telescopic images and prevents large parts of the electromagnetic spectrum from reaching the ground.
  • Telescopes in orbit overcome this problem.
  • The most effective way to study the planets and moons of our Solar System is to go there.

Organize

  1. Read Chapter 5 in your textbook or ebook.
  2. Take the Diagnostic Quiz to assess your understanding of the basic concepts and identify gaps in your understanding of the assigned reading.

Learn

  1. Access the Animations given for this chapter. These brief lessons enhance your understanding of core concepts.
  2. Use the FlashCards to test your memory for new terms.
  3. Review Foundations Box 5.1: When Light Doesn't Go Straight and Excursions Box 5.1: A Brief History of the Telescope.
  4. Work the "Thinking about the Concepts" and "Applying the Concepts" questions in the end of chapter review materials.
  5. If your instructor has assigned SmartWork online homework, login from the right navigation pane for additional practice and review.

Connect

  1. Periodic Connections boxes and the Seeing the Forest through the Trees section at the chapter's end draw your attention to recurring themes and help prepare you for concepts explored more fully in subsequent chapters.
  2. Visit Astronomy in the News for breaking news of new discoveries and the opportunity to apply what you've learned in this chapter to real-world (and real Universe) events.


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Organize

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