The laser beam is part of the VLT’s adaptive optics system, which corrects for distortions caused by Earth’s atmosphere so the land-based optics system can get clear shots of the cosmos. In this case, the color of the laser is precisely tuned to excite a band of sodium atoms found in an upper layer of the atmosphere some 56 miles up. Those glowing atoms create a kind of synthetic reference star in the upper atmosphere that the VLT can use to calibrate itself.
The image above was snapped by the ESO’s photo ambassador Yuri Beletsky in mid-August, as astronomers prepared to peer deep into the Milky Way’s center to observe the supermassive black hole that resides there.
[ESO]
Popular Science has been a leading source of science, technology and gadget news since 1872. With up-to-the minute latest space news, insightful commentary on the new innovations and concept cars ...if it's new or future technology you'll find it at popsci.com.au.
WW Media - Popular Science © 2010
Cameras - Home Entertainment - Mobile Phones