
Concept explainers
What are the three basic components of a modern astronomical instrument? Describe each in one to two sentences.

The three basic components of a modern astronomical instrument.
Answer to Problem 1E
The three basic components of a modern astronomical instrument are the telescopes, the wavelength sorting device and the detectors.
Explanation of Solution
The three basic components of a modern astronomical instrument are the wavelength sorting device, the telescopes and the detectors.
- The telescopes:
- The wavelength sorting device:
- The detectors:
It is an optical device used for observing distant objects so that they appear near. It consists of an arrangement of lenses or a curved mirror. It is used to collect faint light from astronomical objects and focus all the light into a magnified image.
After the telescope collects light, an instrument is used which can sort light according to its wavelength.
Detectors are electronic devices which permanently record data so that it can be analyzed later. Visible light detectors can be the human eye which can observe at observatories located far away on Earth using computers, other detectors are photographic films.
Conclusion:
Thus, the three basic components of a modern astronomical instrument are the telescopes, the wavelength sorting device and the detectors.
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