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If a space telescope comparable to Hubble was built, but focused differently

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Old 07-22-2008, 05:23 AM
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Default If a space telescope comparable to Hubble was built, but focused differently

could it see the moon lander? or Pluto in great detail?

I'm not to familiar with optics =(

Hubble can see galaxies on the other side of the universe but images of Pluto are still only a couple of pixels and the moon lander is no where near visible enough despite being so close. So, if a telescope was built for those specific distances and about the same size as Hubble would it be able to make them out? If it would have to be bigger how much bigger do you think?
Of course there would be little reason for such telescopes. I just wanted to know if it was possible for enough light to be collected on a Hubble sized lens to see the moon lander or Pluto in greater detail.
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Old 07-22-2008, 03:24 PM
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Here's a good link to answer your question. Apparently, the limits of the Hubble's physical resolution are about the size of a football field, though it could easily detect the headlights of a car (being illuminated), from its place in orbit. Interestingly, though, it could not resolve the light into two headlights much beyond a distance of 3000 miles.
<http://sm3a.gsfc.nasa.gov/messages/676.html>
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