Astronomy
Adaptive Optics for Direct Exoplanet Imaging
Quick fact
Adaptive optics systems can sense and correct atmospheric distortion thousands of times per second, making a ground-based telescope nearly as sharp as one in space.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever seen stars twinkling and wondered why? That shimmer is the same effect that blurs images from the world's most powerful telescopes—but astronomers have found a way to fight it.