resolving power The ability of a telescope to distinguish between two closely separated objects. It is ultimately limited by diffraction but, in the case of ground-based instruments, is also compromised by the smearing effect of the Earth's atmosphere. The use of interferometers and new techniques such as adaptive optics allows dramatic improvements in resolving power. Related category OPTICS AND OPTICAL PHENOMENA Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |