Researchers have developed a new way to produce and shape large, high-quality mirrors that are much thinner than the primary mirrors previously used for telescopes deployed in space. The resulting ...

In the ultra-precision machining of optical components, the checking tools are specially used to control their surface shape accuracy. As the ultra-precision core component of telescope systems, the ...

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. If you ever wondered how scientists clean giant telescopes on Earth, wonder no more. This video ...

Contaminants on large astronomical reflecting surfaces (hereafter "mirrors") can significantly degrade their reflectivity, IR emissivity, and light-scattering properties. We will show data that the ...