The sensitivity of Earth-based infrared telescopes is significantly limited by water vapor in the atmosphere, which absorbs a portion of the infrared radiation arriving from space outside of selected atmospheric windows. This limitation can be partially alleviated by placing the telescope observatory at a high altitude, or by carrying the telescope aloft with a balloon or an aircraft. Space telescopes do not suffer from this handicap, and so outer space is considered the ideal location for infrared astronomy. COUNT 4
QSN1 What limits the sensitivity of infrared telescopes on Earth? ANS1 water vapor in the atmosphere QSN2 To somewhat avoid the water vapor in the atmosphere, where can an observatory be sited? ANS2 at a high altitude QSN3 Along with aircraft, what object can be used to carry a telescope aloft? ANS3 balloon QSN4 What sorts of telescopes completely avoid water vapor in Earth's atmosphere? ANS4 Space telescopes