Published: 5th Apr, 2024
Context
Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon, and in orbit around it. One such proposal, PRATUSH, hails from India.
1: Dimension-Challenges for Earth-based Telescopes:
- Earth-based telescopes, optical telescopes (which collect visible light at longer wavelengths) and radio telescopes (which collect radio waves with the shortest wavelengths), face hurdles due to the atmosphere's interference.
- Optical telescopes struggle with pollution, while radio telescopes contend with electromagnetic interference from various sources, including communication signals.
- It also does not help that the earth’s ionosphere blocks radio waves coming from outer space.
2: Dimension-Benefits of placing telescope on Moon
- Scientists are considering placing optical and radio telescopes on the far side of the moon, which always faces away from the earth.
- Clear visibility: The pristine, airless desolation of the moon provides optical telescopes crystal-clear seeing conditions throughout the long lunar night.
- Protection: Radio telescopes on the lunar far side will also be protected by the moon (its diameter is 3,476 km) — that blots out radio transmissions from the earth and electrically charged plasma winds blowing from the Sun.
- It promises the most radio-quiet location in the solar system.
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Fact Box: About PRATUSH
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