Chapter 11, Problem 1CC

To determine

Whether the astronomers will finally be able to see the surface of planet Venus using a bigger visible-light telescope.

Answer to Problem 1CC

Solution:

No

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Astronomers have been using visible-light telescopes for studying extra-terrestrial objects for a very long time. Visible-light telescopes are instruments which detect light from a source and henceforth view its image.

Explanation:

Venus is covered with thick layer of sulfuric acid clouds and light cannot penetrate these clouds. As a result of this, no light escapes from Venus. So, even if astronomers build a bigger visible-light telescope to see the surface of Venus, they will not be able to see it as there won’t be any light coming from Venus which could be used by a visible-light telescope.

Conclusion:

Hence, the surface of Venus cannot be seen using a visible-light telescope.