Astronomy midterm question: near infrared telescope locations

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Spring Semester 2009
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

(Electromagnetic spectrum provided on Midterm 1, with transparency of Earth's atmosphere indicated for different forms of light. Downward lengths of gray bars indicates amount transmitted through atmosphere.)


Where could you set up a telescope in order to detect near infrared light?
(A) On top of high mountains.
(B) At sea level.
(C) (Near infrared light is detectable at both locations.)
(D) (Near infrared light is not detectable at either location.)

Section 30676
(A) : 23 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 12 students
(D) : 0 students

Correct answer: (A)

Since the gray bar for near infrared light does not go all the way down through the atmosphere, this type of electromagnetic radiation cannot be detected at sea level, but will be at higher elevations (as well as in space).

"Difficulty level": 62% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.27