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ASTRONAMY Q!! 100 POINTS. PLEASE HELP ANSWER ALL FIVE Q.

1. Critical Thinking Questions Compare the relative light-gathering power of a telescope with a 40-inch primary lens with an otherwise identical telescope with a smaller 20-inch lens. Then, analyze the limitations and importance of space telescope data across the electromagnetic spectrum. In your answer, describe one way such telescope data can help astronomers determine distances between celestial objects and how this relates to how astronomers use observational astronomy methods like the cosmic distance ladder. Make sure to use a variety of basic vocabulary used to discuss technology and science as well as vocabulary specific to the field of astronomy in your answer.

2. What principles of science (like facts, laws, and theories) might help explain why similar investigations conducted in many parts of the world could result in the same outcome?

3. As we learned, astrology and phrenology are considered pseudoscience because they are either not testable or cannot be verified objectively. Think of one other discipline that could be considered a pseudoscience and explain why the content would not be testable or able to be verified objectively. Then, describe the difference between astronomy and astrology, the reasons for their historical conflation, and their eventual separation.

4. Give an example of a question that can be answered by science and a question that could be better answered by philosophy.

5. Why are concerns like safety and recycling important in astronomy, even though the research is often not conducted in a traditional lab?

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User Afroz
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1. ➡ A telescope with a 40-inch primary lens will have a greater light-gathering power compared to one with a 20-inch lens. This means the larger telescope can collect more light, enabling it to detect fainter objects and provide more detailed observations. However, the limitations of ground-based telescopes include atmospheric interference and limited wavelength coverage. Space telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, overcome these limitations, capturing data across the electromagnetic spectrum. Different wavelengths reveal unique information about celestial objects. For instance, radio waves help measure distances through the concept of redshift, contributing to the cosmic distance ladder—a series of methods to determine distances. One method involves measuring the redshift of galaxies, which helps establish the relationship between distance and velocity. This ties into the cosmic distance ladder as astronomers use various techniques to progressively measure distances to objects in the universe.

2. ➡ The principles of science, including facts, laws, and theories, contribute to the universality of outcomes in investigations worldwide. Facts represent observable and verifiable information. Laws describe patterns and relationships consistently observed in nature. Theories provide explanations for observed phenomena based on accumulated evidence. When investigations yield the same outcomes globally, it's due to the universal nature of natural laws and theories that hold true regardless of location, culture, or language.

3. ➡ One discipline that can be considered a pseudoscience is "parapsychology," which explores topics like extrasensory perception and psychic abilities. Parapsychology lacks empirical evidence and rigorous testing, making its claims difficult to test or verify objectively. Astronomy and astrology are distinct: Astronomy is a science focused on studying celestial objects and phenomena, while astrology attempts to predict human behavior based on the positions of celestial bodies. Historically, both were intertwined due to limited understanding, but they separated as astronomy adopted scientific methods while astrology retained its speculative nature.

4. ➡ A scientific question might be: "What causes gravitational attraction between objects?" This can be answered through experimentation and observation. A philosophical question could be: "What is the nature of consciousness?" This involves subjective introspection and might not have empirical answers, relying on philosophical exploration.

5. ➡ Safety and recycling are important in astronomy despite non-traditional lab settings due to environmental considerations and equipment hazards. Telescopes often use hazardous materials, and their operation can impact natural surroundings. Recycling reduces waste and resource consumption. Even remote observatories must follow safety protocols. For example, radio telescopes emit electromagnetic radiation that can interfere with communication systems if not properly managed. Safety practices and responsible resource management contribute to ethical and sustainable scientific endeavors.


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Hope it's helpful! ^_^

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User Vasyl Zvarydchuk
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