Diffraction due to a circular aperture is important in astronomy. Since a telescope has a circular aperture of finite size, stars are not imaged as points, but rather as diffraction patterns. Two distinct points are said to be just resolved (i.e., have the smallest separation for which you can confidently tell that there are two points instead of just one) when the center of one point's diffraction pattern is found in the first dark ring of the other point's diffraction pattern. This is called Rayleigh's criterion for resolvability. Consider a telescope with an aperture of diameter 1.02 m. Part D What is the angular radius 0₁ of the first dark ring for a point source being imaged by this telescope? Use 550 nanometers for the wavelength, since this is near the average for visible light.

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**Diffraction and Circular Apertures in Astronomy**

Diffraction due to a circular aperture is critical in astronomy. Telescopes with circular apertures of finite size produce diffraction patterns rather than point images of stars. Two distinct points are considered just resolved when the center of one point's diffraction pattern is in the first dark ring of the other. This concept of resolution is known as Rayleigh's criterion.

For example, consider a telescope with an aperture diameter of 1.02 meters.

**Task: Calculating the Angular Radius (θ₁)**

Determine the angular radius θ₁ of the first dark ring for a point source imaged by this telescope. Use 550 nanometers for the wavelength, which is an average for visible light.

*Express your answer in degrees, with three significant figures.*

The previously submitted answer for θ₁ is \(5.39 \times 10^{-7}\).

*Note: If you have already submitted this answer, please try again.*

**Interface Explanation:**

The interface provided includes various math input options such as fractions, roots, exponents, and logarithms. The answer box allows you to input your calculated angular radius.

- **Submit button**: Click to submit your answer.
- **Previous Answers**: View your past attempts.
- **Request Answer**: Seek assistance for the answer.

This approach ensures you understand the concept of diffraction in telescopes and effectively calculate the required parameters using given inputs.
Transcribed Image Text:**Diffraction and Circular Apertures in Astronomy** Diffraction due to a circular aperture is critical in astronomy. Telescopes with circular apertures of finite size produce diffraction patterns rather than point images of stars. Two distinct points are considered just resolved when the center of one point's diffraction pattern is in the first dark ring of the other. This concept of resolution is known as Rayleigh's criterion. For example, consider a telescope with an aperture diameter of 1.02 meters. **Task: Calculating the Angular Radius (θ₁)** Determine the angular radius θ₁ of the first dark ring for a point source imaged by this telescope. Use 550 nanometers for the wavelength, which is an average for visible light. *Express your answer in degrees, with three significant figures.* The previously submitted answer for θ₁ is \(5.39 \times 10^{-7}\). *Note: If you have already submitted this answer, please try again.* **Interface Explanation:** The interface provided includes various math input options such as fractions, roots, exponents, and logarithms. The answer box allows you to input your calculated angular radius. - **Submit button**: Click to submit your answer. - **Previous Answers**: View your past attempts. - **Request Answer**: Seek assistance for the answer. This approach ensures you understand the concept of diffraction in telescopes and effectively calculate the required parameters using given inputs.
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