The diagram shows the path of light through the HST.
In the telescope, the primary and secondary mirror coatings __________certain wavelengths of light, while the glass body of the mirrors__________ certain wavelengths of light.
MS-PS4-2
Required
1
MS-ESS1-3
Required
2
Question 2
2.
Explain what causes the telescopes to orbit different objects in space and identify one advantage of having the telescopes orbit different objects.
MS-ESS1-3
Required
1
MS-PS2-4
Required
1
MS-ESS1-3
In the graph, “protected” means that an additional coat of a tough material protects the metal coating, and “enhanced” means an additional coat of a different material increases the range of wavelengths the coating can reflect.
,
Required
1
6-8.PS4.A-2
MS-PS4-2
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MS-PS4-2
A Perfect View of Space
Scientists study the universe using different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, both from Earth and from satellites in space.
This picture shows the wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light is shown with wavelengths in nanometers (nm).
On December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was launched into a low Earth orbit. It is the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) that was launched in 1990. The HST was designed to view mostly visible and some near-infrared light, but it can also detect shorter ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths that the JWST cannot. The JWST can go beyond what the HST can see and view deeper infrared light at greater wavelengths, allowing for deeper and more detailed views of space. Both telescopes are powered by solar energy, and together, they cover a broad range of wavelengths.
The table below compares the two telescopes.
These two graphics show how photographs taken from the HST compare to photographs taken by the JWST. Both are taken of the same area in space. The photo the HST took is on the left, and the photo the JWST took is on the right.
Question 1
1.
The table shows information about some objects in the solar system and the body that the objects orbit.
Using the table above and the information about the telescopes, reorganize the names below to show the order of the objects from the Sun outward.
JWST
HST
Mars
Earth
Question 3
3.
The HST is located 547 kilometers from Earth and orbits Earth, while the JWST is located 1.5 million kilometers from Earth and orbits the sun. The graph shows the relationship between the force of gravity and the mass of an object.
Which statement best explains why the JWST orbits the sun and not Earth?
Question 4
4.
The JWST is more advanced than the HST in some ways.
Which two statements correctly describe ways in which the JWST is more advanced than the HST?
Question 5
5.
The HST uses an aluminum-coated mirror like one you may see in your home, while the JWST uses a gold-coated mirror. The graph shows the wavelengths of light in nanometers (nm) that various mirror materials can reflect.
Based on the graph and the information from the passage, which statement best explains why the JWST requires a gold-coated mirror?
Question 6
6.
Which statement best explains why aluminum-coated mirrors like the ones used by the HST are also used in homes instead of gold-coated mirrors?
Earth’s gravitational force repels the JWST because it is farther from Earth.
The sun’s very large mass has a greater effect on the JWST than Earth has.
The JWST has less mass, so it requires less energy to launch.
The JWST orbits farther away, giving a clearer image.
The JWST is powered using solar energy.
The JWST has the capability to observe the sun.
The JWST views visible light, which has wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm that protected gold reflects.