Aha Trivia Stuff Everyone Should Know
Aha Trivia: Stuff Everyone Should Know · ahatrivia.com/mb-astronomy-1f1daf0e6d9c

Why must X-ray telescopes be placed high or in space?

Earth's atmosphere absorbs X-rays.

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  1. Earth's atmosphere absorbs X-rays ✔
  2. X-rays are too dim on Earth
  3. X-rays only work at night

Why: X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, so X-ray observatories must operate at high altitude or in space.

Huh, didn't know that: X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, so X-ray observatories must operate at high altitude or in space.

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X-ray telescopes need a high-flying view!
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References

Answer: Earth's atmosphere absorbs X-rays. X-rays are absorbed by the atmosphere, so X-ray observatories must operate at high altitude or in space.

  1. Astronomy en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astronomy
    Since X-rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, observations must be performed at high altitude
    Checked 2026-11-07.

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