Question

List the two wavelengths of light that are NOT absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere. Of the two name which is impervious to the atmosphere so there is no reason to observe above it. Concerning the other one, why is it still useful to place the telescope above the atmosphere if this wavelength is not absorbed?

Answer 1

The main source for the electromagnetic radiation for the earth is the sun. The solar radiation contains electromagnetic radiation of different wavelength ranges. Not all those wavelengths reach the surface of the earth. Most of the incoming solar radiation is absorbed by the atmospheric gasses. Wavelengths such as X-ray and gamma ray, containing a comparably greater amount of energy, are absorbed by the atmosphere. This is one of the most important factors that make the earth a habitable planet.
On the other hand, There are certain wavelength ranges, which can pass through the atmosphere. Visible light(700 nm to approximately 400 nm wavelength) and Radio waves(1 millimeter to 100 kilometers wavelength) are two of these types of wavelengths.
Long wavelength radio waves are impervious to the atmosphere so there is no reason to observe above it.
The effects of the atmosphere on the incoming solar radiation is not only limited to absorption or transmission of them, rather the atmosphere acts as a large layer to alter the path and intensity of these wavelengths. So, we get some sort of distorted image of the incoming beam, while taking the observations at the surface of the earth. This effect of reflection and refraction can be omitted if the observations of these wavelengths are taken above the atmosphere. This, in turn ,will give us a better image of outer space.
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