What's the relation between angular resolution and distance

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the angular resolution of a telescope and its application to imaging the moon. The formula θ=1.22λ/D is used to determine angular resolution, resulting in a value of 4.88x10^-7 radians. The user seeks to understand how angular resolution relates to the distance between distinguishable objects on the moon. It is clarified that angular resolution cannot be directly converted to meters; instead, the angular separation must be calculated based on the distance from Earth to the moon. Understanding this relationship is crucial for determining the minimum distance between two objects that can be resolved by the telescope.
Cocoleia
Messages
293
Reaction score
4

Homework Statement


At first I needed to calculate the angular resolution of a telescope (diameter 1m, for visible light) so I used θ=1.22λ/D and got 4.88x10^-7 rad. Now I am asked: "If we wished to use this telescope to image the moon, what is the closest distance two objects can be to be distinguished by such a telescope?"
I don't understand what the relationship between angular resolution and distance is.

Homework Equations



θ=1.22λ/D
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cocoleia said:
Is it just a matter of converting my answer to meters?
You cannot "convert" radians to metres.
If two points on the moon are distance x apart, what is their angular separation when viewed from Earth?
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Angular resolution of microscope
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How to find the minimum angular resolution?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Estimate the number of pixels in an image
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
What Is the Smallest Spot Diameter the Human Eye Can Detect?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Imaging resolution for a microscope and eye
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Can the Hubble telescope measure the diameter of Betelgeuse?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Angular Resolution of Telescopes at 500nm: Formula & Explanation
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Black hole calculations, the "Event Horizon Telescope"
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Eye Resolution: Calculating the Limit and Overcoming Obstacles
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Solving Grating Resolution Homework for Skyscraper Distance
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K