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Chapter 6: Problem 5

Arrays of radio telescopes can produce much better resolution than single-dish telescopes because they work based on the principle of a. reflection. b. refraction. c. diffraction. d. interference.

Short Answer

Expert verified
d. interference

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

Read the question carefully and identify that it asks about the principle on which arrays of radio telescopes base their superior resolution compared to single-dish telescopes.
02

Recall the Relevant Principle

Remember that arrays of telescopes use the combined signal from multiple telescopes to improve image quality. This technique often relies on wave properties.
03

Evaluate Each Option

Review each option to see which one describes the principle involved:- a. Reflection involves bouncing waves off surfaces.- b. Refraction involves bending waves as they pass through materials.- c. Diffraction involves waves bending around obstacles.- d. Interference involves the combination of waves to form a new pattern.The correct principle for combining signals in arrays of radio telescopes is interference.
04

Select the Correct Answer

Based on the evaluation, choose option 'd. interference' as it best describes the principle used in arrays of radio telescopes to achieve better resolution.

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Key Concepts

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

Interference in Radio Telescopes
Radio telescopes use the principle of interference to achieve higher resolution. Interference occurs when waves from different sources meet and combine to form a new pattern. This is essential for radio arrays, which use multiple telescopes working together.

When signals from different telescopes are combined:
  • Constructive interference happens when waves align, amplifying the signal.
  • Destructive interference occurs when waves are opposite, canceling each other out.
This creates a detailed and enhanced image that a single telescope can't produce.

The capability to differentiate the fine details is crucial in astronomy, making interference a powerful tool for astronomers.
Array Signal Combination
Radio telescope arrays rely on the combination of signals from multiple dishes. This method enhances the resolution and sensitivity of the observations.

Each telescope in an array collects data from a celestial object. The signals are then combined using precise timing. This combination process involves:
  • Phase alignment, where the signals are synchronized, much like tuning multiple TV antennas to get the best picture.
  • Correlation, which compares and combines the signals to create a unified image.
By doing so, the array acts like one giant telescope with a very large aperture. This technique allows astronomers to observe distant objects in fine detail that single-dish telescopes can't achieve.
Wave Properties in Astronomy
Understanding wave properties is fundamental to astronomy, especially when using radio telescopes. Waves are how light and other electromagnetic signals travel through space.

Key wave properties in astronomy include:
  • Wavelength, the distance between two peaks of a wave, determining the type of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Frequency, the number of waves that pass a point per second, related to the energy of the radiation.
Radio telescopes often deal with longer wavelengths and lower frequencies compared to optical telescopes.

Grasping these properties helps astronomers design and operate telescopes effectively, ensuring they capture the most accurate and detailed information from the universe.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Consider a CCD with a quantum efficiency of 80 percent and a photographic plate with a quantum efficiency of 1 percent. If an exposure time of 1 hour is required to photograph a celestial object with a given telescope, how much observing time would be saved by substituting a CCD for the photographic plate?

One of the earliest astronomical CCDs had 160,000 pixels, each recording 8 bits ( 256 levels of brightness). A new generation of astronomical CCDs may contain a billion pixels, each recording 15 bits \((32,768\) levels of brightness). Compare the number of bits of data that each of these two CCD types produces in a single image.

Why do telescopes in space give a better picture of the leftover radiation from the Big Bang?

Improved resolution is helpful to astronomers because a. they often want to look in detail at small features of an object. b. they often want to look at very distant objects. c. they often want to look at many objects close together. d. all of the above

Explain adaptive optics and how they improve a telescope's image quality.
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