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Astronomy

Using Adaptive Optics to Image Exoplanets Directly

Quick fact

Adaptive optics uses a deformable mirror that changes shape hundreds of times per second to correct atmospheric blur, allowing telescopes like the Gemini South telescope to capture direct images of exoplanets billions of light-years away.

Why this is interesting

You know how stars twinkle in the night sky? That twinkle is actually blurring every telescope image. So how do astronomers get crystal-clear pictures of planets around other stars?