Telescopic Vision Savers

By the time the mid 1900s arrived, astronomers were finding it nearly impossible to make mirrors that were larger than the 5 meter mirror in the Hale telescope. When attempts to increase the size of the mirrors were made, astronomers found that the mirrors were imperfect and warped by the shear weight of the mirror. Larger mirrors were needed in order to collect more light and see further into space.

With the invention of the computer in the 1940s astronomers now had the tools that were needed for the new technology. In 1976, a Russian astronomer created the largest telescope in the world, but it too was heavy and distorted the images it produced. The answer to the problem was to use multiple mirrors to produce a single image.

Today liquid mirrors, or mirrors made with reflective liquids such as mercury, are being used. Liquid mirrors are a much more cost-effective alternative to larger telescopes. The liquid, in a rotating container, assumes a parabolic shape needed for the telescope.

The mirror telescope has found a new use in the medical field to treat patients suffering from age related Macular Degeneration. The mirror telescope is implanted in the eye and a two year study shows a substantial increase in visual acuity for patients with age related macular degeneration. This new process offers hope for the many people suffering from this disease.