IssuesWithTelescopes.pptVIP

* * Issues with the use of telescopes Magnification Magnification determines how much larger the image is as compared to the size of the source of the light (the object) Magnification = fo fe Where fo is the focal length of the objective fe is the focal length of the eyepiece Issues with the use of telescopes Magnification From the group exercises, most of the object the average observer would look at at actually relatively large. Magnification is not the most important characteristic of a telescope for a backyard astronomer. Professional astronomy also requires the examination of deep sky objects, which require a high magnification. Issues with the use of telescopes Magnification Further problems – if the image produced by the telescope does not accurately represent the source, and high magnification might only magnify the inaccuracies. The crucial issue - RESOLUTION Issues with the use of telescopes Resolution More important (possibly more important) than magnification is resolution. Resolution – the property of an instrument to identify (resolve) small details. The smallest angular size identifiable by an instrument is given by ?min = .25 ? D Where ? is the wavelength of the EM waves being collected in ?m (1 ?m = 10-6 m) D is the diameter of the aperture (the opening which collects the wave) in meters The calculated value of ? will be in seconds of arc (arc seconds) Issues with the use of telescopes Resolution ?min is called the diffraction limited resolution of the telescope Issues with the use of telescopes Resolution The ability to resolve small details is determined by the wavelength fo the EM wave and the diameter of the aperture. For high resolution, one would observe as the shortest wavelength possible and use the largest diameter aperture possible. For a telescope, the diameter of the aperture is determined by the diameter of the objective. ?min (in arc sec) = .25 ? (in ?m ) D (in m) Issues with the use of telescopes Resolution For the naked eye