W. M. Keck Observatory Adaptive Optics (IMAGE)

W. M. Keck Observatory

W. M. Keck Observatory Adaptive Optics

Caption

Adaptive optics is a technique used to correct for the blurring effect of the Earth's atmosphere. W. M. Keck Observatory's laser guide star adaptive optics (LGS AO) system uses a laser to create an artificial star to measure for atmospheric distortions. This results in sharp, high-resolution images that allow astronomers to see celestial objects, such as hidden galaxy mergers, in ultra-fine detail.

Credit

BILLY DOANER

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