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moonman
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Is it possible to determine the smallest angle that can be resolved with a telescope if the only information you're given is the telescope's aperture? If anyone can help me out I'd appreciate it.
The resolving power of a telescope refers to its ability to distinguish between two objects that are close together in the sky. This is often measured in arcseconds, with a higher number indicating a higher resolving power and therefore a greater ability to see finer details.
The resolving power of a telescope is determined by the diameter of its objective lens or mirror. The larger the diameter, the higher the resolving power. However, atmospheric conditions and the quality of the optics can also affect the resolving power.
The diffraction limit of a telescope is the theoretical minimum distance between two objects that can still be resolved by the telescope. It is determined by the diameter of the objective lens or mirror and the wavelength of light being observed.
Increasing the magnification of a telescope does not necessarily improve its resolving power. In fact, it can often decrease the image quality and make it more difficult to distinguish fine details. It is important to find a balance between magnification and resolving power.
No, telescopes have a physical limit to their resolving power due to factors such as atmospheric conditions and the diffraction limit. They cannot resolve objects that are infinitely small, but they can continue to improve their ability to see finer details with advancements in technology and larger objective lenses or mirrors.