Telescopes
Collimation
Say it: kol-ih-MAY-shun IPA: /ˌkɑlɪˈmeɪʃən/ noun
Collimation: The alignment of a telescope's optical components so that they work together as intended.
If a reflector's mirrors are misaligned, they cannot form the sharp image the design allows. Collimation adjusts their alignment; focusing then brings the image into focus.
- Example
- After collimation, the telescope showed a cleaner image of the star.
- Why astronomers use it
- It helps an instrument deliver its intended image quality.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- Collimation is not focusing. The same word also describes making a beam's rays approximately parallel.
Observatory Telescopes
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.