Astronomy for Today - and Tomorrow

Durham University in the north of England, a leading research centre in adaptive optics, is aiming to improve the quality of astronomical imaging. Turbulence in the earth?s atmosphere distorts the light beams entering astronomical telescopes, resulting in what we know as the twinkling of the stars.

Using adaptive optics to correct these distortions, scientists are now able to obtain much sharper images from the far reaches of the universe.

This research could also hold the key to the further development of free space communications. By shining a laser between two points, data can be transmitted along the beam – providing scientists can overcome the problems of atmospheric distortion. Such technology would have a huge impact on telecommunications.

At the same time the University is looking to the future, investing in the upcoming generations of scientists. The University is host to the regions? brand-new Faulkes Telescope Centre, offering school pupils access to real time robotic telescopes in Hawaii and Australia.

In shaping the astronomical images of today, scientists are hoping to inspire the astronomers of tomorrow.