Angular Resolution

• The ability of an image-forming device to distinguish small details of an object
  • Devices could be a telescope, microscope, camera, or an eye

Formula

• $\theta = 1.22 \frac{\lambda}{D}$
  • $\theta$ is the angular resolution
  • $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light
  • $D$ is the diameter of the lens' aperture

Physics Astronomy