Astronomy
The Implementation of Adaptive Optics in the Keck Telescopes
Quick fact
Keck's adaptive optics system can correct atmospheric blur up to 1,000 times per second, allowing its 10-meter mirror to achieve resolutions comparable to the Hubble Space Telescope in certain wavelengths.
Why this is interesting
When you look up at the stars, they seem to twinkle—but that sparkle is actually the atmosphere distorting their light. So how can astronomers get crystal-clear images from the ground?