Adaptive-optics corrections available for the whole sky

Article Abstract:

Observations of three off-axis reference stars have been used to calculate the deformations of the wavefront of a central star. The deformations were compared with the real measured values, an approach found to decrease variations in the wavefront by around 92%. The tomographic approach may also be applied to artificial references, but a single artificial star cannot solely be used to close an adaptive optics loop. The next key technical challenge is the realization of an adaptive-optics system able to effectively correct, in real time, the wavefront coming from a region of the sky with no bright references.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Discovery of water vapour around IRC+10216 as evidence for comets orbiting another star

Article Abstract:

Research describing the observation of water vapour around the ageing carbon star IRC+10216 is presented. It is suggested that the star is causing the vaporization of orbiting icy bodies by changes in its structure as evidenced by its increased luminosity.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

A giant stream of metal-rich stars in the halo of the galaxy M31

Article Abstract:

Research describing the structure of the Andromeda galaxy is presented. In particular galaxy formation from the tidal interaction of large and small galaxies and the ensuing structure of galactic haloes is investigated.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: