Isn't the maximum magnification of a radio telescope infinite, because more than one radio telescope can be used at the same time to recieve more waves?
2007-05-22 16:58:45 · 3 answers · asked by peace&love 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
what do you mean no?
so it isn't infinite?
OR
do you mean like it is infinite but my reason is wrong?
2007-05-22 17:10:38 · update #1
No, it depends on the antenna aperature. It is very complicated.
2007-05-22 17:03:24 · answer #1 · answered by gt5364e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Resolution is a better term. A single radio telescope has a finite resolution. Multiple arrays of dishes give more resolution to a radio signal making that signal more definable. This is the purpose of the VLA (Very Large Array).
2007-05-22 17:27:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anthony W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
'Magnification' isn't really quite the correct term. 'Sensitivity' is a better description. And no, it isn't infinite. The amount of energy gathered is directly proportional to the 'aperture' (or active reception area) of the instrument. And that's true for all wavelengths, radio, Infra-red, visible, or ultra-violet.
HTH
Doug
2007-05-22 17:12:41 · answer #3 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋