Q6 · UPSC current affairs · 18 October 2026 · News · NASA PUFFINS Space Telescope Mission Interstellar Dust

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The primary technique utilized by the NASA PUFFINS mission to study dust grains in the interstellar medium is:

A Far-infrared polarimetry
B Ultraviolet spectroscopy
C X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
D Radio interferometry mapping

Correct answer: (a) Far-infrared polarimetry

Explanation

Option A is correct because the PUFFINS mission utilizes far-infrared polarimetry for its observations. Options A, B, and D mention alternative astronomical techniques that do not match the specific methodology described in the text.

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