Questions tagged [telescope]
Telescopes are devices that collect data (usually electromagnetic spectrum, visible or otherwise) to better resolve distant objects.
73
questions
4
votes
1
answer
67
views
Could you see a probe or space ship with a DS4G ion propulsion thruster with a telescope? Would you need IR or UV?
I'm wondering what would be observable to an astronomer if one knew where to look for a distant space craft with a powerful ion engine such as a Dual-Stage 4-Grid (DS4G) electrostatic thruster. In the ...
- 141
4
votes
1
answer
442
views
If the largest spy satellites could take pictures, how detailed would they be?
This question is inspired by the NRO's Orion Satellites. These are surveillance satellites placed near geostationary altitude that measure radio emissions.
Importantly, they have been described as the ...
- 2,512
1
vote
1
answer
85
views
Apparent diameter of a planet
I made a simple sheet that based on apparent diameter of a celestial body which shows to me which of my eyepieces I should use to view an object in my telescope. However, some of bodies like planet ...
- 205
4
votes
2
answers
602
views
Will the Artemis Gateway Lunar Space Station be visible from Earth by amateur observers?
When the entire Lunar Gateway space station is built it would be a bit smaller than the ISS. We amateur astronomers and observers love to spot the ISS and be able to follow the history of space ...
- 2,501
5
votes
1
answer
109
views
With our current technology, how large could we make a useable space-based VLBI telescope?
I am trying to find an equation that models the current technical limits that we have on creating an effective space-based VLBI telescope.
Variables that are likely relevant in the model: distance of ...
- 51
10
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Interesting diffraction pattern on JWST composite false-color image released today (July 11) at Biden preview - how does this arise?
There was an earlier question on the diffraction pattern in the Mar 16 test image that was mainly explained by the hexagonal shape of the individual mirror segments. Today's image has similar ...
- 3,894
3
votes
2
answers
221
views
Can we watch the object move towards the Moon and hit it this week at home? Will there be live telescope feeds?
I'm not even going to name the object because there's been some variability and excitement in its identification (DSCOVR 2nd stage, no not DSCOVR, it's Chinese, no not that Chinse rocket body, this ...
- 149k
3
votes
0
answers
72
views
What can/do astronauts look at with the portable telescopes aboard the ISS?
I would like to know what will be the visibility from the portable telescope aboard the International Space Station.
What could they potentially view, and what are (at least some of) the things they ...
- 369
4
votes
1
answer
227
views
How does the James Webb Space Telescope take images with individual mirror segments?
It says here (and elsewhere) that during mirror alignment the James Webb Space Telescope will take $18$ “individual images” of a star, “one from each mirror segment”. I’m wondering how this is ...
- 141
39
votes
5
answers
6k
views
Can James Webb take pictures of our solar system? In what ways will they differ from/compliment those from Hubble?
I am curious to know whether the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to take pictures of our own planets like Jupiter / Saturn like Hubble did.
If yes, then how different are these images expected ...
- 814
6
votes
2
answers
1k
views
What will happen to JWST after its 10 year mission?
JWST launched recently.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Webb_Space_Telescope#Orbit
JWST needs to use propellant to maintain its halo orbit around L2, which provides an upper limit to its designed ...
- 171
9
votes
1
answer
1k
views
How would NASA confirm the James Webb Space Telescope is undamaged after the clamp release incident?
Would NASA point a space telescope at something far enough away in a clean room to confirm that the telescope is functioning correctly before launching it into space? Is there some optical technique ...
- 703
-6
votes
1
answer
206
views
International space station(ISS) viewed from planet earth [closed]
Is it possible to view International space station (ISS) using sophisticated Telescopes from planet earth?
- 369
7
votes
2
answers
367
views
If all Starlink satellites had phone tier cameras & simple scopes, could images processed by their super-resolution imaging network be competitive?
I was wondering; if all Starlink satellites had high-end cellphone quality cameras modules on simple telescopes, could the resulting images be combined and processed in such a way that a super-...
- 71
6
votes
0
answers
108
views
How was the high rate of degradation of Hubble's main mirror initially predicted? Why did it turn out to be lower? Were cosmic rays really a concern?
This answer to How long was the HST initially supposed to work? in Astronomy SE quotes Assessment of Options for Extending the Life of the Hubble Space Telescope: Final Report as follows:
Hubble was ...
- 149k