Angular Resolution Requirements For Orbital Astronomy

J. W. Wechsler; K. Kerr

doi:10.1117/12.946848

24 March 1970 Angular Resolution Requirements For Orbital Astronomy

J. W. Wechsler, K. Kerr

Proceedings Volume 0019, Space Optics I; (1970) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946848
Event: Space Optics, 1969, Santa Barbara, United States

Abstract

Diverse connotations of angular resolution for different types of astronomy observations present conflicting requirements to orbital astronomy system designers as well as to optical instrument designers. Interpretations are offered of the physical meaning of angular resolution, especially as it relates to linear resolution in the focal plane, for various types of astronomy observations, including detection of faint sources, imaging of extended sources, separation of close stars, spectroscopy, polarirnetry, photometry, etc. Quantitative values of angular resolution requirements for each type of observation from a representative set of specific observations developed in a recent study are discussed. From these numerical examples, the collective influence of various angular resolution criteria on the design of systems and telescopes for orbital astronomy are also discussed. Finally, the role of system tradeoff analyses in deciding between diffraction-limited and non-diffraction-limited telescopes for orbital astronomy is explained.

Citation Download Citation

J. W. Wechsler and K. Kerr "Angular Resolution Requirements For Orbital Astronomy", Proc. SPIE 0019, Space Optics I, (24 March 1970); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.946848

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available