Analysis and Applications

Although Hajian and Armstrong are thorough in their discussion of the limitations of optical interferometry technology, they do not fully address the potential benefits of optical interferometry. Optical interferometry technology is already capable of producing images of the brightest stars that are up to 100 times more detailed than those of Hubble Telescope. In addition, optical interferometry gives astronomers the capability to measure the angular diameter of stars, especially cepheid variable stars which serve as invaluable tools for predicting distances to other galaxies. Optical interferometers also have the potential to image stellar surface fluxes and effective temperatures, “star spots,” limb darkening, multiple star systems, stellar rotation, clouds and disks which orbit stars, and shadows of planets or other matter as they pass in front of starts. With this mass of observational data, astronomers will gain greater insight into the composition of stars and their surface features and activity. In addition, this data will improve astronomers’ understanding of the process of stellar birth, evolution, and death. From this, astronomers can fine-tune their theories of the formation of the universe and its ultimate fate.

The essence of optical interferometry is that it allows astronomers to see stars and other celestial objects more clearly. With evolving adaptive optics and other new technology, interferometers are getting ever closer to the theoretical maximum angular resolution defined by their aperture sizes. This precision imaging will no doubt lead to a profusion of new discoveries and a more thorough understanding of the universe in which we live.

Other References:

http://www.sciam.com/askexpert/astronomy/astronomy1.html