The Milky Way Galaxy seen from the Earth over Devils Tower

Paranal Observatory  Dec 2, 2011

The biggest problem for high power telescopes on earth is air movement, because it disturbs image quality significantly. This is why new observatories are built on high mountains (less disturbing air). Advanced observatories are using a technology called “adaptive optics”. The main magnifying mirror is here not one solid block but semi-flexible. It is connected to an ultra fast computer which can move hundreds of mirror segments independently. If one would have a perfect reference star, the computer could calculate image distortions caused by air movement and move these mirror regions in a way that the distortion effects are eliminated. The Laser serves as perfect reference star for adaptive optics. As a result: astronomers can gain multifold sharper images with much better resolution. It allows seeing ultra faint deep space objects from earth. - Wolf Damm -

ESO-VLT-Laser-phot-33a- Image of the Milky Way's Galactic Center in the night sky above Paranal Observatory. Observation data. Type, SBc (barred spiral galaxy). Diameter, 100000-120000 light years...