Telescopes · Physics
Interferometry
Say it: in-ter-fih-ROM-ih-tree IPA: /ˌɪntərfɪˈrɑmɪtri/ noun
Interferometry: Combining waves from separate light paths or telescopes and using their interference to make measurements.
Astronomers carefully combine signals collected at separated locations. Their interference contains information about details too fine for either telescope to distinguish alone.
- Example
- Interferometry resolved structure that a single telescope could not separate.
- Why astronomers use it
- It gives access to very fine angular detail and precise measurements.
- Tiny cosmic connection
- An array can achieve resolution associated with its separation without collecting as much light as a filled telescope of that width.
Observatory Telescopes Physics
Where to check it
Written for Cool Moon Facts in its own words; the sources cover the same idea in more depth.