Perhaps the future of amateur observations in the next decade..?

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Today's APOD may give a hint at a possible future for amateurs even...?

Let's hope, so

Mike

[Joshua Bunn (Joshua)]

That view would have blown my socks off! This would be awesome in the literal sense of the word. Imagine the possibilities.

[glend (Glen)]

If its being processed prior to reaching your eye is it really visual observation? Seems to be closer to imaging, or perhaps computer augmented visual. Now if it could see through clouds.....

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

I've got no doubt that this tech will be available to amateurs in the future - on a much smaller scale of course. it is just a matter of whether I can afford it or will be around for it ...

[xelasnave]

It should not be to hard to build a small system..

[clive milne]

Originally Posted by glend

If its being processed prior to reaching your eye is it really visual observation? Seems to be closer to imaging, or perhaps computer augmented visual. Now if it could see through clouds.....

It is not being processed as such, they are genuinely looking at the star directly.

from the website:

adaptive optics system developed by Close and his team that eliminates much of the atmosphere’s effect. The Magellan Adaptive Optics technology is very good at removing this turbulence, or blurring, by means of a deformable mirror changing shape 1,000 times each second in real time.

[RobF (Rob)]

C'mon Mike. Get real!
That's like saying in the future amateurs won't need a 4m mirror to be able to get images like this. Impossible!

http://messier.seds.org/Pics/Jpg/m20_adfm.jpg

[strongmanmike (Michael)]

Originally Posted by RobF

C'mon Mike. Get real!
That's like saying in the future amateurs won't need a 4m mirror to be able to get images like this. Impossible!

http://messier.seds.org/Pics/Jpg/m20_adfm.jpg

Exactly! I did indeed think that, doesn't look so impressive now huh?

Imagine looking through even a diffraction limited 12" scope

Mike

[sharpiel]

Originally Posted by strongmanmike

Today's APOD may give a hint at a possible future for amateurs even...?

Let's hope, so

Mike

Pfffffttttt!! It's ONLY 6.5 meters!