A new generation of ground-based telescopes is currently being built that overcomes the limitations of the older large telescopes. Some of these new telescopes
A) use segmented mirrors.
B) use mirrors that are very thin.
C) use active optics to control the shape of the mirror.
D) all of the above.
E) none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

All of the above options are correct. The new generation of ground-based telescopes uses segmented mirrors to reduce the weight and cost of the mirrors. These mirrors are very thin, which helps to reduce their weight and cost even further. Additionally, active optics is used to control the shape of the mirror, which enables the telescope to maintain a high level of precision despite atmospheric turbulence.

A New Generation of Ground-Based Telescopes Is Currently Being Built