Astronomy 201 Web Project
Lesley Meinrath
ID# 0862257
Interferometry, a technique
first applied to the study of astronomy by Albert A. Michelson around 1880, has
for the greater part of the last century been used at radio wavelengths to map
the emissions of distant quasars and radio sources. In the past 15 years, new technology has opened up the
possibility of interferometry at infrared and visual wavelengths. This web page will discuss the science
behind optical interferometry, recent technological advances in the field of
optical interferometry, the problems associated with this new technology, and
its potential benefits to the field of astronomy based on the article “A
Sharper View of the Stars” by Arsen R. Hajian and J. Thomas Armstrong.
What is optical interferometry?
Recent advances in optical interferometry technology
Limitations and problems with optical interferometry
Analysis and applications of interferometry technology
Read the full text of “A Sharper
View of the Stars” by Arsen R. Hajian and J. Thomas Armstrong (Scientific
American, March 2001) at http://www.sciam.com/2001/0301issue/0301armstrong.html
- links.
**All
links to additional sources are in blue type**