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Chapter 6: Problem 27

The largest astronomical refractor has an aperture of 1 meter. List several reasons why it would be impractical to build a larger refractor with twice this aperture.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Building a refractor larger than 1 meter is impractical due to material and structural challenges, optical issues, high costs, difficult transportation and installation, and increased maintenance needs.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

The task is to list practical reasons why building a refractor telescope with an aperture larger than 1 meter, specifically twice the size (2 meters), would be impractical.
02

Consider Material and Structural Challenges

Larger lenses are more difficult to manufacture with the precision needed for astronomical observations. Additionally, lenses of this size would be extremely heavy, requiring very robust support structures to handle the weight without distorting the lens.
03

Evaluate Optical Issues

Larger lenses in refracting telescopes suffer more from chromatic aberration, where different colors of light do not focus at the same point, leading to unclear images. This issue exacerbates with increased lens size.
04

Consider Costs

The cost of materials and the complexity of creating and maintaining a larger lens would be prohibitively high compared to the benefits provided by a modest increase in aperture size.
05

Transportation and Installation

Transporting and installing a lens of 2 meters in diameter would be highly challenging due to the size and fragility of the lens.
06

Maintenance and Upkeep

Larger lenses require more frequent and detailed maintenance to keep them clean and free of defects, leading to increased operational costs.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Material Challenges
Building larger refractor telescopes poses significant material challenges. Crafting a lens larger than 1 meter requires exceptional precision. The bigger the lens, the harder it becomes to maintain the required quality and clarity. These lenses are also incredibly heavy. A 2-meter lens would weigh considerably more, which means:
  • The manufacturing process becomes tougher and costlier.
  • Handling and moving the lens without causing damage is risky.
The materials themselves must be flawless, as even the smallest imperfections can ruin the telescope's performance.
Optical Issues
Larger lenses in refractor telescopes inevitably face more severe optical issues. One prime problem is chromatic aberration. This occurs because different colors of light focus at different points. For small lenses, this might be manageable. However, for a 2-meter lens, the problem magnifies, resulting in blurry images and inaccurate observations. Another issue is distortion. The sheer size makes it tough for materials to retain their shape, leading to inaccurate light paths and further degrading image quality.
Cost Considerations
The financial aspect of building a telescope larger than 1 meter is daunting. The cost of raw materials for a 2-meter lens is extremely high. Additionally, the specialized manufacturing processes required add to the expense. Furthermore:
  • Larger telescopes require intricate and robust support structures, increasing costs.
  • Maintenance and operational costs are higher due to the complexity involved in upkeep.
Ultimately, the slight improvement in observational capability may not justify the massive increase in expenditure.
Structural Support
Supporting a 2-meter lens structurally is challenging. The larger the lens, the more robust the support system needs to be. This brings several problems:
  • The supports themselves can become so large that they interfere with the telescope's functionality.
  • The risk of distortion increases, as uneven support can warp the lens shape.
Ensuring the lens remains perfectly aligned and stable is a Herculean task, often requiring advanced engineering solutions and materials, further complicating the construction.
Transportation Challenges
Transporting a large, fragile 2-meter lens is fraught with challenges. These lenses are not just big but extremely delicate. Moving such lenses without causing damage requires:
  • Specialized transport vehicles.
  • Precise handling equipment.
  • A route free from any shocks or movements that could harm the lens.
The logistics and costs of safely transporting such a large component can quickly become impractical, often requiring meticulous planning and significant resources.
Maintenance Requirements
Maintaining larger lenses involves detailed and frequent upkeep. Dust and scratches can significantly impair the lens performance, making clean maintenance essential. Key aspects include:
  • Regular and careful cleaning to avoid any physical damage.
  • Frequent inspections to detect and correct any potential issues early.
  • Specialized equipment and personnel for handling and servicing the lens.
Increased maintenance translates directly to higher operational costs and demands on personnel, making larger lenses less desirable.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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