Question

The actual resolution required is about 25 micro-arcseconds (this should NOT be the answer you got above). Based on this, how big of a telescope (i.e., telescope diameter) do you need to observe the event horizon of M87*? Give your answer in meters.

Use the following formula: θ = 1.22 λ D, where θ is the resolution stated above but you must convert it to radians first, λ is the wavelength at which we are observing, and D is the diameter of the telescope. D and λ will have the same units. Assume that we are observing at a wavelength of 1 mm.

Be careful with the units in this question!

Answer 1