Why does the useful resolving power of a ground-based telescope not match its theoretical value?
A) Mirrors can't be built accurately enough.
B) The atmosphere blurs the image, decreasing the resolving power.
C) Mirrors cannot collect enough light to reach their theoretical expectations.
D) The theoretical value can only be reached when there is a Full Moon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Earth's atmosphere causes turbulence and distortion, which blurs the images captured by ground-based telescopes, reducing their resolving power compared to the theoretical value.

Why Does the Useful Resolving Power of a Ground-Based Telescope