The angular resolution of a telescope is never less than its diffraction limit.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is true according to the Rayleigh criterion which states that the minimum angular resolution of a telescope is directly proportional to the wavelength of the light being observed and inversely proportional to the diameter of the telescope aperture. The diffraction limit is the smallest angular separation between two point sources of light that can be resolved by a telescope and this limit is given by the Rayleigh criterion. Therefore, the angular resolution of a telescope can never be less than its diffraction limit.

The Angular Resolution of a Telescope Is Never Less Than