Calculating the Angular Resolution of the Hubble Telescope

In summary, the Hubble telescope has a primary mirror with a diameter of 2.4 m, giving it an angular resolution of 0.0000026 radians or 0.00015 degrees at a wavelength of 600 nm. When imaging the surface of the moon, which is 3.84*10^8 m away, the smallest feature that the telescope can resolve is an object that subtends the resolution angle. To solve for this, you would need to know the definition of an angle and the angular resolution.
  • #1
kingyof2thejring
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Qw The Hubble telescope has a primary mirror with diameter 2.4 m. Calculate the angular resolution of the Hubble telescope in both radians and degrees at a wavelength of 600 nm. Imagine that the Hubble telescope images the surface of the moon, 3.84*10^8 m away. What is the smallest feature on the surface of the moon that the telescope can resolve at a wavelength of 600 nm?
How do you solve for the second part of this question. thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
The definition of an angle is? If you know the angular resolution, an object that subtends the resolution angle is the smallest thing that can be resolved.
 

FAQ: Calculating the Angular Resolution of the Hubble Telescope

What is the purpose of calculating the angular resolution of the Hubble Telescope?

The angular resolution of a telescope is a measure of its ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects in the sky. Calculating the angular resolution of the Hubble Telescope allows scientists to determine the smallest details they can see in astronomical objects and to compare its capabilities with other telescopes.

How is the angular resolution of the Hubble Telescope calculated?

The angular resolution of a telescope is calculated using the formula θ = 1.22λ/D, where θ is the angular resolution in radians, λ is the wavelength of light being observed, and D is the diameter of the telescope's primary mirror. For the Hubble Telescope, with a diameter of 2.4 meters and observing in visible light (λ = 550 nanometers), the angular resolution is approximately 0.05 arcseconds.

Why is the Hubble Telescope's angular resolution better than ground-based telescopes?

The Hubble Telescope is located in space, above Earth's atmosphere, which can distort and blur images. This allows it to achieve a higher angular resolution compared to ground-based telescopes, which have to deal with atmospheric distortions. Additionally, the Hubble Telescope has a larger primary mirror than most ground-based telescopes, allowing it to collect more light and achieve better resolution.

Can the Hubble Telescope's angular resolution be improved?

Yes, the Hubble Telescope's angular resolution can be improved by performing repairs and upgrades on the telescope. In 1993, astronauts installed corrective optics to fix a flaw in the telescope's primary mirror, improving its resolution. In 2009, astronauts also installed a new camera, the Wide Field Camera 3, which has improved the Hubble Telescope's resolution by a factor of 10.

How does the Hubble Telescope's angular resolution affect its scientific discoveries?

The high angular resolution of the Hubble Telescope has allowed scientists to make groundbreaking discoveries in astronomy. By being able to see smaller details in astronomical objects, the Hubble Telescope has provided valuable insights into the structure and evolution of the universe, as well as the properties of individual stars and galaxies. Its high resolution also allows it to capture stunning and detailed images of celestial objects, inspiring and captivating the public with the wonders of the cosmos.

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