An Unsung Hero of Astronomy: The International Ultraviolet Explorer

What was one of the major achievements of the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE)?

• Observing the biggest, closest supernova in centuries

• Detecting water on Mars

• Capturing the first image of a black hole

• Discovering a new planet in our solar system

Why is it difficult to study ultraviolet light from Earth?

• Ultraviolet light is too faint to detect

• The Earth's atmosphere absorbs ultraviolet light

• Ultraviolet light is blocked by the moon

• There are no telescopes capable of observing ultraviolet light

What was unique about the IUE's orbit?

• It was the first satellite to orbit the moon

• It was in a geosynchronous orbit, allowing constant communication

• It orbited the sun instead of the Earth

• It was the first satellite to orbit Mars

What did the IUE discover about Halley's Comet?

• It has a homogeneous internal structure

• It contains pockets of volatile compounds

• It is made entirely of ice

• It is the largest comet in the solar system

What was one of the lasting impacts of the IUE mission?

• It proved that the Earth is flat

• It laid the foundation for modern UV astronomy

• It discovered a new galaxy

• It was the first mission to land on Mars