![]() The shape of the primary mirror, in particular the number of edges it has, determines the mirror’s diffraction pattern. So, even if a telescope had no struts, it would still create a diffraction pattern. Underneath this headline is a caption that says, “Primary mirrors in reflecting telescopes cause light waves to interact as they direct light to the secondary mirror. The third section is headlined, “Primary Mirror Influence”. The second box, on the right, is a star that displays Webb’s Diffraction Pattern, which has eight-points – two vertical, two horizontal and four diagonal points. The first box, on the left, is a star that displays Hubble’s Diffraction Pattern, which has four-points – two vertical and two horizontal points. ![]() These areas of amplification and cancellation form the light and dark spots that show in diffraction patterns.” Underneath this caption are two boxes, lined horizontally. In situations where these light waves meet and interact, they can either become more amplified or cancel each other out. As light encounters an edge, it is bent and redirected, sending it in different directions. The second section is headlined “How Does Diffraction Happen?” Underneath this headline is a caption that says, “Light, which has wave-like properties, tends to radiate from a central point outward, similar to how water behaves when a stone is tossed into it. For most reflecting telescopes, including Webb, diffraction spikes appear when light interacts with the primary mirror and struts that support the secondary mirror.” Below this is an image of Webb’s observing side, including its 18 gold hexagonal segments, science instruments, primary mirror, struts and secondary mirror. While all stars can create these patterns, we only see spikes with the brightest stars when a telescope takes an image. Diffraction spikes are patterns produced as light bends around the sharp edges of a telescope. The first section is headlined “What Are Diffraction Spikes?” Below the headline is a caption that says, “Have you ever noticed that bright stars in your favorite space images have unique spikes around them? These are known as diffraction spikes. This diagram is composed of five sections. The top right of the image shows three stars producing eight-pronged diffraction spike patterns. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.This is a diagram labeled “Webb’s Diffraction Spikes”. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare to secure the national defense."ĪUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.įounded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation
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