What role do telescopes play in space research?

Telescopes are essential tools in space research as they enable scientists to observe distant celestial bodies, including stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae. They collect and magnify light from these objects, allowing researchers to analyze their properties, movements, and behaviors from great distances. This observation capability is crucial for expanding our understanding of the universe, including the study of cosmic phenomena and the exploration of the origins of galaxies and stars.

In contrast, the remaining options describe functions that are not intrinsic to telescopes. Creating artificial habitats involves engineering and technology focused on sustaining life in space, which is unrelated to the observational capabilities of telescopes. The role of landing spacecraft on other planets pertains to rockets and landing systems, which are designed for transportation rather than observation. Monitoring weather patterns on Earth is a function of meteorological satellites and instruments, serving a different purpose than the astronomical focus of telescopes.