Open AccessTelescopes of the future
Author(s) -
Davies Roger
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
astronomy & geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.168
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1468-4004
pISSN - 1366-8781
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-4004.2012.53415.x
Subject(s) - angular resolution (graph drawing) , astronomy , physics , adaptive optics , focus (optics) , telescope , optics , mathematics , combinatorics
Telescope technology has transformed our ability to pursue forefront astrophysics, bringing the faint universe into focus. New observing techniques such as high angular resolution imaging using adaptive optics and integral field spectroscopy have been developed. Ever larger light gathering capability has led to systematic observation of transient and time‐variable phenomena. In his Presidential Address for 2012, Roger Davies, who chaired ESO's E‐ELT Standing Review Committee during Phase B of the project, examines how far we have come and explores the case for the next generation of giant telescopes.