what is the theorectical angular resolution of a 0.3m telescope...i choose a wavelength for visable light of....560nm...plz can some1 show me how 2 calculate it plz...the final answer needs 2 be in arcsecond''...and r we likely 2 achieve this resolution in pratice
thanx guys
2006-10-10 07:30:45 · 3 answers · asked by elli 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
The equation referenced above will give you the radius of the Airy disc in radians. The most commonly used specification for telescope resolution is Dawe's limit, and is given as 116/D, in arcseconds, where D is aperture in mm. I'm not sure what wavelength to assume for this, as I think it was empirically derived by Dawes, but I think I've seen 550 nm. This is specifically related to the ability to discern equal-magnitude double stars as two barely touching discs.
Any telescope with an optical error of less than 1/4 wavelength can show you the Airy disc and resolve doubles to Dawe's limit. In practice, a .3m telescope will often fail to achieve this because of atmospheric turbulence.
2006-10-10 10:38:56 · answer #1 · answered by injanier 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have already been given the link for the formula. As to your question of achieving it the answer is that all research grade scopes are categorized as "diffraction limited" which means that they do indeed achieve theoretical perfection, but your instructor obviously wants you to say "no" because of irregularities in the optics.
2006-10-10 15:03:54 · answer #2 · answered by lampoilman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More math than I know... but here's the calculation...
2006-10-10 14:36:58 · answer #3 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋