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A BETTER VIEW WITH ADAPTIVE OPTICS INTO THE HEART OF A GLOBULAR CLUSTER [1]

This image of Globular cluster NGC 6496, observed with the SOAR Adaptive Module (SAM), is about 3 arc minutes across. The enlarged sections of the cluster show the image with SOAR adaptive optics (AO) on and off, demonstrating the significant difference that sharp stellar images can make in our understanding of the properties of stars.
The typical FWHM of stellar images in Closed Loop (SAM On) and Open Loop (SAM Off) condition (averaged over the field):

Filter FWHM
Closed Loop Open Loop
B 0.48" 0.59"
V 0.43" 0.66"
R 0.32" 0.54"
I 0.31" 0.50"

Read more in NOAO Press Release 13-04 [2] and the Astronomical Journal [3].
 

This is a David Walker test, this image is copyright, David WalkerThis is a David Walker test, this image is copyright, David Walker [4]
Summary: 
Globular cluster NGC 6496, observed with the SOAR Adaptive Module (SAM).
Source URL (modified on 05/03/2013 - 16:39): http://www.ctio.noao.edu/noao/node/3655

Links
[1] http://www.ctio.noao.edu/noao/node/3655
[2] http://www.noao.edu/news/2013/pr1304.php
[3] http://arxiv.org/abs/1304.4880
[4] http://www.ctio.noao.edu/noao/sites/default/files/field/image/NGC6496b_1.jpg