The two Keck 10-m telescopes, separated by a distance of 85 m, can operate as an optical interferometer. What is its resolution when it observes in the infrared at a wavelength of 2 microns?
A) 0.01 arcsec
B) 0.005 arcsec
C) 0.4 arsec
D) 0.06 arcsec
E) 0.2 arcsec

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The resolution of an interferometer can be calculated using the formula:

resolution = wavelength / (2 x baseline)

Where wavelength is the observing wavelength and baseline is the distance between the telescopes.

Substituting the given values, we get:

resolution = 2 microns / (2 x 85 m) = 0.0118 arcsec

Therefore, the closest choice is B: 0.005 arcsec.

The Two Keck 10-M Telescopes, Separated by a Distance of 85