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Chapter 6: Problem 16

What is active optics? What is adaptive optics? Why are they useful? Would either of these be a good feature to include on a telescope to be placed in orbit?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Active optics counteract atmospheric distortion in large telescopes, while adaptive optics correct real-time distortions caused by the atmosphere. They improve the image quality and resolution of telescopes. For a telescope in orbit, where key distortion factors are absent, the advantage of these features may be less significant, but they could still be beneficial in managing other distortions like thermal effects and mechanical stress.

Step by step solution

01

Active Optics

Active Optics is a technology employed in big telescopes to counteract the effects of atmospheric distortion. It utilizes a set of actuators to deform the mirror in a telescope to compensate for distortions or aberrations introduced by atmospheric turbulence, gravitational and thermal effects.
02

Adaptive Optics

Adaptive Optics, on the other hand, is used to correct real-time distortions that are caused by the changeable nature of the Earth's atmosphere. It works by measuring the atmospheric distortion and consequently making minute adjustments to the shape of the mirror compensating for the distortion nearly in real-time.
03

Utility of Active and Adaptive Optics

Active and Adaptive optics are useful to enhance the image quality in telescopes by dynamically correcting the distortions caused by atmospheric turbulence, gravitational and thermal effects. This enables better resolution and increased efficiency in capturing clear images of celestial bodies.
04

Feasibility of Active and Adaptive Optics in Orbit

For telescopes placed in orbit, outside the Earth's atmosphere, the key distortion factors (atmospheric turbulence) that active and adaptive optics counteract would not be present. Therefore, they may not offer the same level of benefit for the image quality. However, they might still be useful for addressing distortions caused by factors like thermal changes and mechanical stress.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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Suppose your Newtonian reflector has an objective mirror \(20 \mathrm{~cm}\) ( 8 in.) in diameter with a focal length of \(2 \mathrm{~m}\). What magnification do you get with eyepieces whose focal lengths are (a) \(9 \mathrm{~mm}\), (b) \(20 \mathrm{~mm}\), and (c) \(55 \mathrm{~mm}\) ? (d) What is the telescope's diffraction-limited angular resolution when used with orange light of wavelength \(600 \mathrm{~nm}\) ? (e) Would it be possible to achieve this angular resolution if you took the telescope to the summit of Mauna Kea? Why or why not?

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