Space observatories: our eyes in the sky
This observatory studies the universe in gamma rays from lowearth orbit. It shot to fame by discovering the first pulsar that emitted only gammaray radiation. Name the observatory.
Japan launched this probe in 2010 to study interplanetary dust and gammaray bursts, among other things. But its main claim to fame? It was the first spacecraft to successfully use a solar sail to propel itself. A solar sail is a sail that uses the solar radiation pressure like a sailboat uses wind to move. Name the probe.
This spacecraft is India’s first dedicated space telescope. Launched in 2015, it was distinguished by the fact that it’s a multiwavelength telescope: it can study various phenomena in the universe in several wavelengths, providing a more complete picture of their causes and effects. Name it.
QUESTION 4
The European Space Agency launched this observatory in 2013 for astrometry, i.e. precisely tracking the relative positions and motion of stars and planets. With this information, scientists hope to prepare a “3D space catalogue”. Name the observatory.
QUESTION 5
Between 1990 and 2003, NASA launched four powerful telescopes to study the universe in specific wavelengths. Which is the one that studies the universe in ◣rays? Hint: NASA recently announced it would shut operations with this telescope due to budget cuts.
Answers to March 19 quiz:
1. Coral reef system declared a World Heritage Site in 1981 – Ans: Great Barrier Reef
2. Leading cause of coral bleaching – Ans: Rising ocean temperature
3. Creatures primarily responsible for building coral reefs – Ans: Coral polyps
4. Australiabased scientist dubbed the “reef sentinel” – Ans: Terry Hughes
Ans: Rainforests of the oceans Visual: Fagatele Bay
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