infrared telescope

1. A telescope, similar in operation to an optical telescope, that is designed to detect infrared radiation. Because infrared radiation is emitted by warm objects, infrared telescopes need to be shielded from local heat sources, as by chilling them with liquid nitrogen or locating them in polar regions. Many are placed on high mountains or are mounted on balloons or satellites in order to place them above the lower atmosphere, where water vapor absorbs much of the incoming infrared radiation.

Example Sentences

This time, he was planning to eliminate both the spring-driven dynamo that powered the searchlight, and the infrared telescope.

From Project Gutenberg

Scotty took his rifle out of its protective case and cleaned it, then tried on the infrared telescope.

From Project Gutenberg

Rick slung the dark-light camera over his shoulder while Scotty changed his rifle sight for the infrared telescope.

From Project Gutenberg