Lighten up

The biggest obstacle in ground based astronomy is the same thing that causes the stars to twinkle — the atmosphere. This romantic effect is due to the distortion of light as it travels through turbulent gases to reach the Earth's surface. This stunning long-exposure image shows the scientific solution — the 4 Laser Guide Star Facility on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT). The lasers form an integral part of the adaptive optics system on the VLT, by beaming artificial stars into the sky. Astronomers can then use these guide laser stars as reference points, allowing them to correct their observations of true celestial bodies.

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Over de afbeelding

Id:16fkc16675-lighten-cc
Type:Fotografisch
Publicatiedatum:12 september 2016 15:00
Gerelateerde mededelingen:ann16060
Grootte:4928 x 3280 px

Over het object

Naam:Laser Guide Star
Type:Unspecified : Technology : Observatory
Categorie:Paranal

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