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Diffraction sets the limit

Diffraction sets the limit

Airy disc patterns for not resolved, just resolved, and well-resolved stars, with central maxima, first minima, and angular separation labelled Light passing through a circular telescope aperture diffracts, so a point star forms an Airy disc rather than a perfect point. Two nearby stars can only be separated if their diffraction patterns do not overlap too much.

Advantages of large diameter telescopes (A-level only) Lesson

  1. A Level
  2. /Physics
  3. /Advantages of large diameter telescopes (A-level only)

Step-by-step lessons on AQA A Level Physics Advantages of large diameter telescopes (A-level only). Each one builds up to exam-style questions. Physics is one of the most mathematically demanding A Levels -- at least 40% of the marks require maths skills at Level 2 (GCSE) standard or above, so build calculation and graph-handling fluency alongside the conceptual content from the start.

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