Understanding Earth's Rotation: The Effects on Telescope Observations

In summary, a small telescope with a 70mm diameter and 600mm focal length is good for viewing birds, but when using a 9mm eyepiece to zoom in on a star, the star's image appears to move in a jerky, non-uniform motion. This could be due to the rotation of the Earth or external factors such as wind or atmospheric turbulence.
  • #1
crx
81
0
i have a little telescope of 70mm in diameter and 600mm focal length, its just good too see ...birds, but when i use the 9mm eyepiece and zoom to a star , the star's image will quickly pass to the vision field because of the rotation of the Earth. What i observed could be just an, optical illusion but it seems that the movement of the star in the image its not constant but its jerking, its like a non uniform motion , ...have any idea?
 
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  • #2
It's pretty uniform!
The jerky motion is either due to movement of the telescope shaking in the wind, or at high magnification the atmospheric turbulence or 'seeing'
 

1. How does Earth's rotation affect telescope observations?

Earth's rotation affects telescope observations in several ways. First, it causes the apparent motion of celestial objects across the sky, which can affect the length and quality of observations. Second, it creates atmospheric turbulence, which can distort and blur images. Third, it limits the amount of time certain objects are visible from a specific location, as they appear to rise and set due to Earth's rotation.

2. How does Earth's rotation impact the design of telescopes?

The rotation of Earth affects the design of telescopes in several ways. To counteract the apparent motion of celestial objects, telescopes are equipped with tracking systems that allow them to follow the objects as they move across the sky. To minimize the effects of atmospheric turbulence, telescopes may have adaptive optics systems that can correct for distortions in real-time. Additionally, the location of a telescope must be carefully chosen to maximize the amount of time it can observe a specific area of the sky.

3. How does Earth's rotation affect the data collected by telescopes?

The rotation of Earth can have a significant impact on the data collected by telescopes. The apparent motion of celestial objects can cause blurring and distortions in images, making it more difficult for astronomers to accurately measure properties such as brightness and position. Additionally, the limited viewing time due to Earth's rotation means that some objects may not be observable at all times, leading to gaps in data collection.

4. Can Earth's rotation be a hindrance to telescope observations?

Yes, Earth's rotation can be a hindrance to telescope observations. As mentioned, it can cause blurring and distortions in images and limit the amount of time objects are visible. This can make it challenging for astronomers to accurately study and understand celestial objects. However, advancements in telescope technology and techniques have helped mitigate these effects.

5. How do scientists compensate for Earth's rotation in telescope observations?

Scientists use various methods to compensate for Earth's rotation in telescope observations. As mentioned, tracking systems and adaptive optics can help with the apparent motion and atmospheric turbulence effects. Additionally, scientists can use multiple telescopes at different locations to continuously observe an object as it rises and sets in different parts of the sky. This technique, known as interferometry, can provide a more complete and accurate view of an object's properties.

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