How does the International Space Station contribute to astronomy?

The International Space Station (ISS) is a one-of-a-kind laboratory orbiting about 240 miles above the Earth, and it plays an important role in the study of astronomy. The ISS is an international partnership between the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

One of the primary contributions of the ISS to astronomy is its unique vantage point. By being outside of the Earth's atmosphere, the ISS is able to observe the universe without the distortion and interference that is present on the surface of the Earth. This allows scientists to observe and study astronomical phenomena such as supernovas, black holes, and exoplanets in ways that would not be possible from the ground.

Additionally, the ISS is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments and experiments that are used to study a wide range of astronomical phenomena. For example, the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) is a particle physics experiment that is mounted on the exterior of the ISS and is used to study cosmic rays and search for evidence of dark matter.

Finally, the ISS also serves as a platform for technology demonstrations and development that can have important applications for astronomy and space exploration. For example, the ISS is used to test and refine new telescope technologies that will be used on future space observatories.