When Multiple Radio Telescopes Are Used for Interferometry?

To overcome this difficulty, radio astronomers use multiple radio telescopes at the same time, a technique called interferometry. This gives angular resolutions of 0.001" or better by effectively creating a single telescope as large as the distance between the two farthest telescopes.

Do radio telescopes use interferometry?

This is how the VLA works, by using a technique called interferometry. Since a radio telescope interferometer can combine measurements from each of the pairs of antennas in an array simultaneously, it can make a very high resolution measurement of a specific point in the focal plane of the radio telescope.

What is the main reason for using several radio telescopes together as an interferometer?

What is the main reason for using several radio telescopes together as an interferometer? To obtain much better angular resolution (sharpness) of the images.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.