Astronomers studying the interstellar medium often focus on cosmic dust clouds, which absorb and scatter visible light from distant stars. By blocking this starlight, the dust clouds make it difficult to observe the structures behind them using optical telescopes. To overcome this obstacle, researchers utilize infrared telescopes, which can detect longer wavelengths of light that pass through the dust relatively unimpeded. Consequently, this technology has allowed scientists to map previously hidden regions of our galaxy, revealing new star-forming clusters and nebulae.
Which choice best describes the function of the underlined sentence in the text as a whole?
- AIt presents the final conclusion of the passage regarding the distribution of star-forming clusters in the galaxy.
- It describes a method that researchers use to resolve the astronomical observation challenge mentioned in the preceding sentence.Answer
- CIt states the primary purpose of the passage as a whole, which is to argue for the replacement of optical telescopes.
- DIt explains why cosmic dust clouds prevent infrared wavelengths from passing through interstellar space.
Answer
The correct option describes a method that researchers use to resolve the astronomical observation challenge mentioned in the preceding sentence.
The correct option is correct because the passage introduces an observation obstacle (dust clouds blocking visible light) and the underlined sentence explains the solution (using infrared telescopes). This directly functions as a method to resolve the challenge described earlier.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Part-to-Whole Rhetorical Function
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