Problems that affect telescopes
Atmosphere causes twinkling which limits resolution at optical and infrared wavelengths.
- Solutions:
- Space Telescopes
- Interferometry (combine light from separate telescopes into a single image)
- Adaptive optics: Change the shape to the telescope mirror to correct for atmospheric effects.
Light pollution from major cities interferes with observations.
- Solutions: Convince cities to direct light downward and use lamps that only contaminate at a few wavelengths.