Angular Resolution of Telescopes at 500nm: Formula & Explanation

AI Thread Summary
Technological advancements allow for linking visible-light telescopes to achieve angular resolution equivalent to a single telescope 300 meters in size. The angular resolution formula discussed is sin(theta) = 1.220 * wavelength/diameter, where the wavelength is 500 nanometers (5.00 x 10^-7 m). The diameter of the telescope's mirror is crucial for calculating the resolution. Participants clarify that the size of a telescope refers to the diameter of its mirror. Understanding these concepts is essential for accurate astronomical observations.
oldspice1212
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Technological advances are now making it possible to link visible-light telescopes so that they can achieve the same angular resolution as a single telescope over 300 meters in size.

What is the angular resolution (diffraction limit) of such a system of telescopes for observations at a wavelength of 500 nanometers?


I was wondering if anyone has an idea on what the angular resolution formula is, I know there is one but I can't recall it..and when it says 500 nm it's 5.00*10^-9 m right? Been a while since I've dealt with waves.
 
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oldspice1212 said:
I was wondering if anyone has an idea on what the angular resolution formula is, I know there is one but I can't recall it..
Why struggle with recollection when you can "look it up"? Try your favorite search engine, wiki, etc.
and when it says 500 nm it's 5.00*10^-9 m right?
No, that would be 5nm. 1nm = 1*10-9 m.
 
^ Yeah sorry i meant -7 lol and I still can't figure it out, I need the diameter of the telescope or something... I think the formula is sin theta = 1.220 * wavelength/ diameter but I have no clue how to get the diameter?
 
How big was the single telescope? Hint: when you talk about the size of a telescope, you are talking about the diameter of the mirror which collects the incoming light.
 
300m?
 
nvm got it
 
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