The Large Binocular Telescope Achieves Major Breakthrough -- Sharper than Hubble
The next generation of adaptive optics has arrived at the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT) in Arizona, providing astronomers with a new level of image sharpness never before seen. Developed in a collaboration between intitutions in Italy, Germany, and the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, this technology represents a remarkable step forward for astronomy. The LBT, with its two 8.4 meter mirrors, is the largest optical telescope in the world. In the initial testing phase, the LBT's adaptive optics system has been able to achieve jaw-dropping Strehl Ratios of 82 to 84 percent.
Comments:
This is really neat. So when can we expect Celestron or Meade to introduce their version of this? <img class='' src='http://new.astromart.com/astromart/javascripts/sceditor/emoticons/grin.png' alt='grin' title='grin'/> <br>
When both mirrors have the AO system in place, they expect it to be 10 times sharper than Hubble...now THATS quite something. Wait till the JWST starts imaging..this LBT will have a run for it's money <img class='' src='http://new.astromart.com/astromart/javascripts/sceditor/emoticons/tongue.png' alt='tongue' title='tongue'/>
The article states:<br><br>"Without adaptive optics, the (Strehl) ratio for ground-based telescopes is less than 1 percent."<br><br>Can somebody confirm this? ONE percent Strehl for a ground-based telescope looking through the atmosphere? With moments of good seeing, scopes can achieve sub-arc second resolution. Although I haven't run simulations on this, it seems that a 1% Strehl system (scope + atmosphere) couldn't even "read a stop sign from 100 feet away." <br>Perhaps this is a misprint and should be 10%?<br><br>Best, Bob Piekiel
<i>"one percent Strehl"</i> <br><br>I'm thinkin' this must be a reference to the cheap plastic department store telescope of 'yore. The writer must have had one and has never forgotten that he "couldn't read a stop sign from 100 feet away. <br><br>
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