When astronomers discuss the apertures of their telescopes, they say bigger is better. Explain why. a) A wider aperture can observe a significantly larger portion of the sky. b) A wider aperture makes a telescope easier to aim. c) A wider aperture allows a telescope to collect more light, so it can produce images with higher resolution. d) A wider aperture allows a telescope to collect more light, so it can detect fainter light sources.

Astronomy
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168284
Author:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Publisher:Andrew Fraknoi; David Morrison; Sidney C. Wolff
Chapter6: Astronomical Instruments
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Problem 20E: Many decades ago, the astronomers on the staff of Mount Wilson and Palomar Observatories each...
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When astronomers discuss the apertures of their telescopes, they say bigger is better. Explain why.
a) A wider aperture can observe a significantly larger portion of the sky. b) A wider aperture makes a telescope easier to aim. c) A wider aperture allows a telescope to collect more light, so it can produce images with higher resolution. d) A wider aperture allows a telescope to collect more light, so it can detect fainter light sources.
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