Yes, it can! This is one facet of adaptive optics, which astronomical observatories can use to compensate for distortions in astronomical images caused by our atmosphere. Let’s set the stage first: ...

It used to be that if astronomers wanted to get rid of the blurring effects of the atmosphere, they had to put their telescopes in space. But a technology called adaptive optics has changed all that.

If you have ever attended a club star party or an amateur astronomy convention, you have undoubtedly strolled through an observing field. Scattered throughout are silhouettes of telescopes and ...

A new generation of extremely large telescopes requires fresh approaches to correct for the blurring effects caused by the Earth’s atmosphere, as Richard de Grijs, one of an international team of ...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Have you seen images online of a giant, golden honeycomb poised to launch into space? That's the ...