Using the Rayleigh Criterion for 400. nm light, what sized space telescope could have 1.0 km resolution of objects on Mars when viewed from above the Earth? (assume an Earth-Mars close distance of 80. million km)
A) 39. km
B) 3.9 m
C) 3.9 km
D) 39. m
E) 0.39 km

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Rayleigh Criterion formula for resolution is θ = 1.22 * (λ/D), where λ is the wavelength and D is the diameter of the telescope. Solving for D with given values, D = 1.22 * (400e-9 m) / (1 km / 80e6 km) = 39 m.