Atmospheric dispersion and its effect on high resolution imaging
Abstract
The single biggest problem facing any observer wishing to undertake a programme of high resolution photography is the atmosphere. When a good quality, well collimated telescope is used the atmosphere is responsible for nearly all deterioration of the image quality delivered at focus. Astronomical seeing is a very well-documented phenomenon, but with the increasing number of observers employing large aperture telescopes for high resolution imaging, another not so well-known process can affect image quality far more than observers realise. Indeed until recently I had rather underestimated the effect of this phenomenon. This effect is atmospheric dispersion.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the British Astronomical Association
- Pub Date:
- August 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012JBAA..122..229P