Interferometry

Interferometry is the applied science of combining two or more input points of a particular data type, such as optical measurements, to form a greater picture based on the combination of the two sources. In astronomy (such as with the Keck telescopes), this is used to combine light from two or more telescopes to obtain measurements with higher resolution than could be obtained with either telescope individually.

Related Topics:
Optical - Astronomy - Keck telescopes - Telescope

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This technique is the basis for radio telescope arrays which, spread out over a wide area of hundreds of miles, can together produce a picture with resolution similar or equivalent to a single telescope with the diameter of the combined spread of telescopes. It has more recently been used for astronomical optical interferometer arrays such as COAST, NPOI and IOTA, resulting in the highest resolution optical images ever achieved in astronomy. The VLT Interferometer is expected to produce its first images soon, followed by other interferometers such as the Keck Interferometer and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer which may consist of up to 10 optical telescopes.

Related Topics:
Radio telescope - Mile - Resolution - Telescopes - Astronomical optical interferometer arrays - COAST - NPOI - IOTA - VLT Interferometer - Keck Interferometer - Magdalena Ridge Observatory Interferometer

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~