How does an observatory manage to create a clear image of stars?

Question

I would be thankful for any answers for a problem I haven't been able to solve:

When you look at an object through binaculars (eg. a cyclist passing by) and then try to follow the target still watching, the image gets dizzy - basically, you cannot see anything at all.

But how can it be technically explained that you can watch an extremely distant object in the sky (eg. Saturn, or a comet) through the observatory equipment when both the observatory, our Planet and the object are moving, each at a different, very high speed? How is it still possible to maintain such clear image of the object?

Answer 1

the better question is how do they name every star without naming one twice

Answer 2

1.) The observatory telescopes have much higher quality (and much larger) lenses.

2.) When making photographic exposures, the telescopes are computer-controlled to track the object as it moves across the night sky.

3.) Most observatories are at high altitudes, where the atmosphere is thinner and will cause less distortion.

Answer 3

Computers.

While observing star ABC123, the observatory's computer "locks" the telescope onto the particular patch of sky, and it follows it as the earth rotates beneath it.

Prior to the use of computerised telescopes, telescopes were locked inplace using mechanical systems that needed regular human intervention to keep a steady image.

Answer 4

hope this helps http://www.answers.com/topic/observatory .