Astronomy quiz question: adaptive optics

Astronomy 210 Quiz 3, Fall Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Adaptive optics is used in modern optical telescopes to improve:
(A) light-gathering power.
(B) resolving power.
(C) magnifying power.
(D) the amount of radiation transmitted through the atmosphere.

Correct answer: (B)

For large ground-based telescopes, their resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars. Using adaptive optics to shape the mirror to compensate for these distortions will improve the resolution of images obtained by ground-based telescopes.

Student responses
Section 70160
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 25 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student

Success level: 80%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.44