InstrumentObservatoryData typeObservation yearsTEXES (Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph)Gemini Observatoryspectroscopy2007, 2019T-ReCS (Thermal...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
| Instrument | Observatory | Data type | Observation years |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEXES (Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph) | Gemini Observatory | spectroscopy | 2007, 2019 |
| T-ReCS (Thermal-Region Camera Spectrograph) | Gemini Observatory | infrared imaging | 2007, 2010 |
| LWS (Long Wavelength Spectrometer) | Keck Observatory | infrared imaging | 2003 |
| VISIR (VLT Imager and Spectrometer for mid-InfraRed) | European Southern Observatory | spectroscopy | 2006 |
Julianne I. Moses and colleagues have reported that Neptune may have cooled significantly between 2003 and 2020. The team reached this conclusion by analyzing existing infrared imaging and spectroscopy data about the planet obtained from various instruments in different years. Of the team's sources listed in the table, the earliest example of spectroscopy data included in the analysis was obtained in ______
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the text?
2007 using TEXES at the Gemini Observatory.
2007 using T-ReCS at the Gemini Observatory.
2006 using VISIR at the European Southern Observatory.
2003 using LWS at the W.M. Keck Observatory.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Julianne I. Moses and colleagues have reported that Neptune may have cooled significantly between 2003 and 2020." |
|
| "The team reached this conclusion by analyzing existing infrared imaging and spectroscopy data about the planet obtained from various instruments in different years." |
|
| "Of the team's sources listed in the table, the earliest example of spectroscopy data included in the analysis was obtained in ______" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Main Point: Researchers concluded Neptune cooled between 2003-2020 based on analysis of data from multiple instruments over different years.
Argument Flow: The passage presents a research conclusion, explains how that conclusion was reached through data analysis, then directs us to use the provided data table to identify the earliest spectroscopy data source.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- From the table, I need to identify which instruments provided spectroscopy data (not infrared imaging), then determine which of those has the earliest observation year
- Looking at the data types:
- TEXES: spectroscopy (2007, 2019)
- T-ReCS: infrared imaging (not spectroscopy)
- LWS: infrared imaging (not spectroscopy)
- VISIR: spectroscopy (2006)
- Between TEXES (earliest: 2007) and VISIR (2006), VISIR provided spectroscopy data in the earlier year
- So the right answer should identify 2006 as the year and VISIR at the European Southern Observatory as the source
2007 using TEXES at the Gemini Observatory.
✗ Incorrect
- States 2007 using TEXES at Gemini Observatory
- While TEXES did provide spectroscopy data, 2007 is not the earliest year since VISIR provided spectroscopy data in 2006
2007 using T-ReCS at the Gemini Observatory.
✗ Incorrect
- States 2007 using T-ReCS at Gemini Observatory
- T-ReCS provided infrared imaging, not spectroscopy data
- The question specifically asks for spectroscopy data
2006 using VISIR at the European Southern Observatory.
✓ Correct
- States 2006 using VISIR at European Southern Observatory
- VISIR provided spectroscopy data according to the table, and 2006 is the earliest year among all spectroscopy data sources
- This matches our analysis
2003 using LWS at the W.M. Keck Observatory.
✗ Incorrect
- States 2003 using LWS at W.M. Keck Observatory
- While 2003 is the earliest year in the table, LWS provided infrared imaging, not spectroscopy