What is the shape of the segmented mirrors of twin Keck Observatory telescopes, Gran Telescopio Canarias, and soon to be launched James Web Space Telescope?
A) spherical
B) hexagonal
C) rectangular
D) triangular
E) octagonal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The segmented mirrors of the twin Keck Observatory telescopes, Gran Telescopio Canarias, and the James Webb Space Telescope are hexagonal. This shape allows for a more efficient packing of multiple mirror segments to approximate a large, curved mirror surface, optimizing both the collection of light and the resolution of the telescope.

What Is the Shape of the Segmented Mirrors of Twin