How does the angular resolution of the 305-m Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico compare with the angular resolution of the 10-m Keck optical telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angular resolution of a telescope is proportional to the wavelength of light it observes and inversely proportional to the diameter of the telescope's primary mirror or dish. The Arecibo radio telescope operates in the radio wavelength range, which is much longer than visible light observed by the Keck telescopes. Therefore, the diameter of the mirror, in this case, is the limiting factor, giving Arecibo much worse angular resolution than the Keck telescopes.

How Does the Angular Resolution of the 305-M Arecibo Radio