PHYS 7 Lecture Notes - Angular Distance, Primary Mirror, Adaptive Optics
Document Summary
*the larger the mirror surface area, the brighter the image. (brighter image, not necessarily bigger) *larger mirror diameter results in better angular resolution (ability to see smaller angular separation) Angular resolution: the smallest angle over which we can tell that two dots or two stars are distinct. Atmosphere: 1) distorts image 2) prevents most of the forms of light to penetrate the atmosphere 3) light pollution. Adaptive optics: clears up distortion from the atmosphere. Suppose two stars are separated in the sky by 0. 1 arcsecond. If you look at them with a telescope that has an angular resolution of 0. 5 arcsecond, you will see one point of light that is the blurred image of both stars. The angular separation of two stars is 0. 5 degrees. The typical angular resolution of human eyes is 1/60 degree. A person will be able to see both stars.
