Aperture Synthesis

Aperture synthesis is a technique used in radio and optical astronomy to create high-resolution images of celestial objects. Instead of using a single, large telescope, astronomers use an array of smaller telescopes spaced apart. By combining the signals from these telescopes, they simulate a much larger aperture, effectively acting like a bigger telescope. This process involves measuring the differences in the signals' arrival times and phases, then mathematically combining them to produce detailed images. Aperture synthesis allows astronomers to observe fine details in objects like distant galaxies or stars that would otherwise be impossible with a single telescope.