x-rays do not penetrate the earths atmosphere there for it has to operate in space in order to view this part of the electromagnetic spectrum
Chat with our AI personalities
The Chandra X-ray Observatory operates in space because Earth's atmosphere absorbs X-rays, preventing them from reaching ground-based telescopes. By locating the observatory in space, it can capture X-rays from distant celestial objects without interference, providing clearer and more detailed images of the universe. Additionally, operating in space allows Chandra to observe continuously without the interruptions caused by Earth's day-night cycle.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched in 1999 and was originally expected to have a lifespan of 5 years. However, it has exceeded this expectation and continues to operate as of now. There are ongoing efforts to prolong its operational life for as long as possible.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory is located in space, in Earth's orbit. It was launched aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1999 and has been observing the universe in high-energy X-rays ever since.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory primarily focuses on X-ray wavelengths ranging from 0.1 to 10 nanometers to observe high-energy phenomena in outer space.
The Hubble space telescope uses optical sensors to gather data of distant objects; as it is located outside of the Earths atmosphere it is not subject to the distortions associated with terrestrial telescopes. The Chandra (X-ray observatory) gathers x-ray data about the universe; again, this cannot be achieved with terrestrial based observatory instruments
"Kepler" is actually an observatory, rather than a telescope. It does, however, operate in space. "Hubble" is a telescope, in the true sense of the word and, again, it operates in space.