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.
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 .
What limits the sensitivity of infrared telescopes on Earth?
What limits the sensitivity of infrared telescopes on Earth ?
water vapor in the atmosphere
water vapor in the atmosphere