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I know we have optical telescopes in space. Don't we have radio telescopes in space too, like SETI? Why not?
by sebazzz 8y ago
I know we have optical telescopes in space. Don't we have radio telescopes in space too, like SETI? Why not?
- maym86 8y agoOptical telescopes are in space to avoid the effect of the atmosphere. Radio telescopes aren't effected in the same way so I don't think there would be an advantage for them to be in orbit and it would cost a lot more.
- vkou 8y agoThe atmosphere is really good at distorting optical signals. It's not as good at distorting radio waves. Additionally, radio telescopes tend to be enormous - much bigger then optical telescopes. It's one thing to launch a bus-sized instrument into orbit. It's another to launch a stadium-sized instrument into orbit.