Orpington Astronomical Society

Astronomy => In the Media... => Topic started by: mickw on Jan 31, 2011, 12:28:19

Title: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: mickw on Jan 31, 2011, 12:28:19
To help take extra sharp images of space, a telescope in South America is firing a mega-laser – one made up of five beams – into the night sky.

The sodium laser "constellation" – as scientists call it – is part of a telescope at the Gemini South Observatory in Chile and is the cornerstone for a next-generation adaptive optics system. Photos of the laser in action reveal it as a thick, bright yellow beam of light cutting through the night sky.

Adaptive optics is a technique used by telescopes to filter out the hazy interference of Earth's atmosphere during astronomical observations.

More:   http://www.space.com/10709-telescope-laser-photos-adaptive-optics.html  (http://www.space.com/10709-telescope-laser-photos-adaptive-optics.html)
Title: Re: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: MarkS on Jan 31, 2011, 14:35:27

It's a 50 watt laser! 
Just think of the fun we could have at DSC ...
Title: Re: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: mickw on Jan 31, 2011, 15:10:04
That'll punch a hole through the clouds  :twisted:

Got one on order  :lol:
Title: Re: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: Tony G on Jan 31, 2011, 15:58:49
I think this is one of those literally ' DON'T CROSS THE BEAMS' lasers  :o

Tony G
Title: Re: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: Rick on Jan 31, 2011, 16:53:53
Well that's one way to make sure no planes stray anywhere near your field of view...
Title: Re: Five-Beamed Mega-Laser to Help Capture Better Space Photos
Post by: Mac on Jan 31, 2011, 20:16:09
PLEASE KEEP MR G AWAY FROM THIS ONE.  8)
:lol: :lol:

Yours Mr Blind..