The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is projected to maintain operation until at least 2030, but it has already revolutionized high-resolution...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is projected to maintain operation until at least 2030, but it has already revolutionized high-resolution imaging of solar-system bodies in visible and ultraviolet (UV) light wavelengths, notwithstanding that only about 6% of the bodies imaged by the HST are within the solar system. NASA researcher Cindy L. Young and colleagues assert that a new space telescope dedicated exclusively to solar-system observations would permit an extensive survey of minor solar-system bodies and long-term UV observation to discern how solar-system bodies change over time. Young and colleagues' recommendation therefore implies that the HST ______
Which choice most logically completes the text?
will likely continue to be used primarily to observe objects outside the solar system.
will no longer be used to observe solar system objects if the telescope recommended by Young and colleagues is deployed.
can be modified to observe the features of solar system objects that are of interest to Young and colleagues.
lacks the sensors to observe the wavelengths of light needed to discern how solar system bodies change over time.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is projected to maintain operation until at least 2030, but it has already revolutionized high-resolution imaging of solar-system bodies in visible and ultraviolet (UV) light wavelengths" |
|
| "notwithstanding that only about 6% of the bodies imaged by the HST are within the solar system" |
|
| "NASA researcher Cindy L. Young and colleagues assert that a new space telescope dedicated exclusively to solar-system observations would permit an extensive survey of minor solar-system bodies and long-term UV observation" |
|
Provide Passage Architecture
Main Point: Young and colleagues recommend creating a new telescope dedicated exclusively to solar-system observations, which has implications for HST's current role.
Argument Flow: HST has been successful with solar system imaging but only spends 6% of time on it. Young's team proposes a separate telescope dedicated only to solar system work.
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
- Key insight: HST only uses 6% of its imaging capacity on solar system bodies, yet Young's team wants an entirely NEW telescope dedicated exclusively to solar system work
- This suggests HST's primary value lies with the other 94% of its work - observing objects outside our solar system
- If they thought HST should refocus on solar system work, they wouldn't need a separate telescope
will likely continue to be used primarily to observe objects outside the solar system.
✓ Correct
- This matches our analysis perfectly
- If only 6% of HST's current work involves solar system bodies, and Young's team wants a separate dedicated telescope for that work, HST will continue its primary focus on non-solar system observations
will no longer be used to observe solar system objects if the telescope recommended by Young and colleagues is deployed.
✗ Incorrect
- Too extreme
- The recommendation doesn't suggest HST should completely stop solar system observations, just that a dedicated telescope would be better for extensive surveys
can be modified to observe the features of solar system objects that are of interest to Young and colleagues.
✗ Incorrect
- Contradicts the recommendation
- If HST could be modified to do what Young's team wants, why recommend a completely new telescope?
lacks the sensors to observe the wavelengths of light needed to discern how solar system bodies change over time.
✗ Incorrect
- The passage states HST revolutionized UV observation of solar system bodies, so it clearly has UV capability
- The issue isn't lack of sensors but need for dedicated focus