Adaptive Optics for Improving the Subaru Telescope Vision by an Order of Magnitude

Abstract

Atmospheric turbulence causes twinkling of stars and diminishes the clarity of telescopic vision. We developed adaptive optics systems for the 8m Subaru Telescope atop Mauna Kea, Hawaii, to overcome this problem for ground-based telescopes. To make use of the adaptive optics system easier, we developed a laser guide star generation system to make an artificial star in the upper atmosphere, using a power laser beam, to measure atmospheric turbulence. The basic principles of these high-tech systems, the scientific story of the discovery of the most distant galaxy, 12.9 billion light years distant, and a project for constructing an even larger 30m telescope are shown using images and visual drawings.