Maximizing Telescope Resolution: Finding the Optimal Eyepiece Focal Length

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the optimal eyepiece focal length for a telescope designed to resolve features 7.0 km across on the Moon, located 384,000 km away. The objective lens has a focal length of 2.2 m and a diameter of 10.5 cm, while the resolution limit is determined using the formula RP=s=f*θ=(1.22*λ*f)/D with λ set at 550 nm. The user successfully calculated the resolution limit (θ) as 6.39e-6 radians but struggled to connect this to the eyepiece focal length, initially misapplying the formula. Clarification on the relationship between the objective and eyepiece focal lengths is needed for accurate calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of telescope optics and resolving power
  • Familiarity with the formula for resolving power: RP=s=f*θ=(1.22*λ*f)/D
  • Basic knowledge of diffraction limits in optics
  • Ability to manipulate and rearrange equations for focal lengths
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between objective and eyepiece focal lengths in telescopes
  • Study the concept of diffraction limits and their impact on telescope design
  • Learn how to apply the resolving power formula in practical scenarios
  • Explore different eyepiece designs and their effects on image quality
USEFUL FOR

Astronomy enthusiasts, optical engineers, and students studying telescope design and optics will benefit from this discussion.

grouper
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Homework Statement



Suppose that you wish to construct a telescope that can resolve features 7.0 km across on the Moon, 384,000 km away. You have a 2.2 m-focal-length objective lens whose diameter is 10.5 cm. What focal-length eyepiece is needed if your eye can resolve objects 0.10 mm apart at a distance of 25 cm? What is the resolution limit (radians) set by the size of the objective lens (that is, by diffraction)? Use λ=550 nm.

Homework Equations



Resolving power=RP=s=f*θ=(1.22*λ*f)/D where s=distance between two resolvable points, f=focal length of objective lens, D=diameter, and θ=angle between objects

The Attempt at a Solution



Using θ=(1.22*λ)/D, I got θ=6.39e-6 rad, which is correct for the second question. I don't really understand the relationship to the eyepiece in the first question though. θ=8e-3 rad for the first situation, but I'm not sure this is needed. I tried θ=s/f (even though this f refers to the objective lens) just to see what would happen and it gave f=0.125 m, which is incorrect. Any help is appreciated, thanks.
 
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Still haven't figured this one out if anybody has any suggestions at all; it's due this weekend.
 

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