
Airy Disk
In space and astronautical engineering, Airy Disk refers to the bright circular central region of the point spread function of a star or any other astronomical object that is imaged through a telescope. It is caused by diffraction of light as it passes through the telescope's aperture. The size of the Airy Disk is determined by the diameter of the telescope's aperture and the wavelength of the light being observed. The Airy Disk is important in determining the resolution of a telescope, as it sets a fundamental limit on the smallest resolvable features in an image. In addition, the shape and size of the Airy Disk can provide information about the properties of the object being observed, such as its brightness and size.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Space Vehicle Guidance: Space Vehicle Guidance is the process of controlling the trajectory and orientation of a spacecraft or rocket during all phases of flight. It involves the use of various guidance systems, such as inertial guidance, celestial navigation, and ... Read More >>
- Throughput: Throughput is the amount of data or information that can be transmitted over a communication channel in a given period of time. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, throughput is an important metric for measuring the perfo ... Read More >>
- Neutrinos: Neutrinos are subatomic particles that are electrically neutral, have very little mass, and interact only through the weak subatomic force and gravity. They are produced by nuclear reactions such as those that occur in the Sun, in nuclear r ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12

Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11

Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06