Adaptive optics

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Abstract
Since the astronomical telescope was invented in the 17th century, the light-collecting power of telescopes as well as the spatial resolution of the astronomical images they produce, has improved drastically. But despite all the technical novelties added since then, the problems that originate from the transmission of the light through the atmosphere have not been overcome. Telescopes in space far above the disturbing atmosphere are still considered to be the only solution to this problem. But in October 1989, quasi-perfect astronomical images were obtained for the first time from the ground by a team of European scientists and engineers applying a new technology called "adaptive optics". This allows astronomers to observe from the Earth as if the telescope were deployed in space.

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