The Resolving Power of a Telescope calculator computes the angular distance between two stars on the limit of visibility for a telescope.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
Resolving Power (α): The calculator returns the Resolving Power in arc seconds.
The Math / Science
The resolving power of a telescope is the angular distance between two stars that are just barely visible through the telescope as separate images. The resolving power α in arc seconds of a telescope with diameter D in meters that is collecting light of wavelength λ in nanometers equals is given by this formula. The formula for the resolving power of a telescope is:
`α = 2.06 x 10^5 ( λ / D )`
where:
Related Astro Calculators:
- Kepler's 3rd Law Calc has Kepler's 3rd law solved for each parameter.
- Astronomy Calculator contains basic formulas for a college level Introduction to Astronomy
- Exoplanet Calculator contains formulas for studying planets outside of our Solar System.
- Astronomical Distance Calculator provides the distance from the Earth to numerous astronomical bodies (e.g. Sun, Moon, planets, stars, Milky Way's Center and Edge, Andromeda Galaxy)
- Astronomical Distance Travel Time Calculator computes the time to travel to distant parts of space at different velocities.
- Ellipse Calculator
- 3D Vector Calculator:
- Drake Equation Calculator
- Seager Equation Calculator
- Friedman Equation Calculator
- Exoplanet Calculator contains formulas for studying planets outside of our Solar System.
- Astronomical Distance Calculator provides the distance from the Earth to numerous astronomical bodies (e.g. Sun, Moon, planets, stars, Milky Way's Center and Edge, Andromeda Galaxy)
- Astronomical Distance Travel Time Calculator computes the time to travel to distant parts of space at different velocities.
- Radius of Perigee
- Radius of Apogee