A scientific satellite in a low orbit around Mars at an altitude of 280 km280\text{ km}280 km carries an imaging telescope. The telescope has an aperture diameter of 0.12 m0.12\text{ m}0.12 m and is designed to detect light at a wavelength of 600 nm600\text{ nm}600 nm.
Determine whether this telescope is capable of resolving a single boulder with a diameter of 2.5 m2.5\text{ m}2.5 m on the Martian surface.
An astronomical survey telescope on Earth has an aperture of diameter 8.4 m8.4\text{ m}8.4 m. Compare the light-collecting power of this Earth-based telescope with that of the satellite-borne telescope.
Explain why a reflecting design, such as a Cassegrain telescope, is highly preferred over a refracting design for this satellite mission.
