Speckle Interferometry. I. A Test on an Earth Orbital Satellite.

摘要

The atronomical technique known as speckle interferometry shows considerable promise for satellite surveillance and imaging. With speckle interferometry, it is possible to remove image degradation caused by atmospheric turbulence. In this way, resolution on satellite images could be improved by a factor of fifty with existing telescopes. We used this method to determine the size and shape of a high altitude satellite. Without speckle interferometry, such information would be impossible to measure. However, to produce routine satllite images we are developing improved computer processing. Even with speckle interferometry we can only marginally resolve high altitude satellites. To provide satisfactory imagery of these objects we need telescopes much larger than existing instruments. To this end we are working to adapt a large multiple mirror telescope system for speckle interferometry. This telescope is the prototype for telescopes, a factor of ten larger than any now existing. (Author)