Where Should I Place My Telescope to Observe VY Canis Majoris?

AI Thread Summary
To observe VY Canis Majoris effectively, a telescope should ideally be placed in a location that minimizes atmospheric interference, as the star emits significant infrared radiation. Clear skies and a high altitude can enhance visibility by reducing atmospheric distortion. Space-based telescopes are preferred for infrared observations due to the atmosphere's absorption of these wavelengths. The presence of dust and vaporized material around the star further complicates observations, necessitating careful consideration of the telescope's location. Ultimately, selecting an optimal site is crucial for capturing accurate emissions from this dying star.
Johnboy
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Homework Statement


What type of location for a telescope would be needed in order to oserve the emissions of the dying VY Canis Majoris? The material is rich in dust and molecules that would vaporise around hotter stars and emits infrared radiation.


Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I am completely stumped here. At first I thought it was regarding Einstein's general relativity and how the star would distort the space around it, but I can't figure out why the location of the telescope would matter, surely it would just be where the telescope looked?
Anyway, if anyone could help me I would be eternally greatful
 
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Hi Johnboy! :smile:
Johnboy said:
What type of location for a telescope would be needed in order to oserve the emissions of the dying VY Canis Majoris? The material is rich in dust and molecules that would vaporise around hotter stars and emits infrared radiation.

Well, does it need clear skies? Does it need to be high up? Does it need to be in space? Does it need to be shielded from anything? Does it need to be guarded by a big dog? etc … :wink:
 
Haha I appreciate the humour, it has made doing this a bit more light-hearted!

I have thought about this, but I can't think of a good reason why the telescope would need to be, for example, in space.
 
Other than the fact that the atmosphere is known to distort light from stars, but that seems too simple!
 
What wavelengths does it need to receive? :wink:
 
Johnboy said:
Other than the fact that the atmosphere is known to distort light from stars

Ok, and what else can do the atmosphere with electromagnetic radiation?

Johnboy said:
The material is rich in dust and molecules that would vaporise around hotter stars and emits infrared radiation.

What can you say about infrared radiation?
 
Last edited:
Only the big dog was intended as humour, all the rest of the things in tiny-tim's list were really serious considerations that go into determining the locations of actual observatories.
 

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