Background Information: Laser Guide Stars

At about 50 miles above the Earth’s surface, the yellow/orange laser light encounters a layer of sodium in the upper atmosphere and the light causes the molecules of sodium to glow as seen from the side. This artificial guide star allows continuous assessment of how the atmosphere is distorting starlight passing through the column of air that the telescope is observing through.

Credit:

NOIRLab

About the Image

Id:gemini0504c
Type:Artwork
Release date:April 28, 2005, 8 p.m.
Related releases:gemini0504
Size:679 x 510 px

About the Object

Category:Illustrations

Image Formats

Large JPEGLarge JPEG
43.9 KB
Screensize JPEGScreensize JPEG
56.2 KB

Zoomable


Wallpapers

1024x7681024x768
65.5 KB
1280x10241280x1024
87.0 KB
1600x12001600x1200
111.6 KB
1920x12001920x1200
126.7 KB
2048x15362048x1536
632.8 KB