Astronomy quiz question: atmospheric turbulence

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

What power of an optical telescope is most affected by the turbulence in the Earth's atmosphere?
(A) Light-gathering power.
(B) Resolving power.
(C) Magnifying power.
(D) (None of the above choices.)

Correct answer: (B)

For large ground-based telescopes, resolving power is limited by atmospheric turbulence, which distorts and "twinkles" the stars.

Student responses
Section 70158
(A) : 8 students
(B) : 53 students
(C) : 7 students
(D) : 3 students

"Success level": 76%
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.58