Dictionary term
Angular Resolution
Direct answer
Angular Resolution is the smallest angular separation or detail an observing system can distinguish.
It measures image sharpness on the sky.
It measures image sharpness on the sky.
A scientific orientation to scale, light, or motion; the article supplies the precise definition.Quick reference
- Use when
- Quote wavelength, aperture, atmosphere, detector sampling, and criterion.
- Do not use it for
- Resolution is not magnification and can be limited by seeing.
- Reference category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Related terms
- Star Hopping, Averted Vision, Resolving Power, Diffraction Limit
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The story behind Angular Resolution
Telescope design increasingly pursued resolution alongside light gathering.
Angular Resolution: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual astronomy reference. It can support wonder at the created order without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Angular Resolution in numerology
Angular Resolution is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Angular Resolution matters
It determines whether close stars or small structures appear separate.
Angular Resolution at work: an example
A one-arcsecond system cannot cleanly separate features only a tenth of an arcsecond apart.
Where interpretation stops
Angular Resolution is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- European Southern Observatory: Technology for Telescopes - Observatory reference for aperture, angular resolution, atmospheric seeing, mirrors, and telescope technology.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Definitions for astronomical coordinates, time, reference systems, and observable phenomena.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Also appears in
- Astronomy & Skywatching
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Compare detail in arcseconds
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More in Astronomy & Skywatching
- Atmospheric Refraction
- Declination Circle
- Globular Cluster
- Limiting Magnitude
- Orbital Period
- Pulsar
- Supernova
Common questions
What is Angular Resolution?
Angular Resolution is the smallest angular separation or detail an observing system can distinguish.
How is Angular Resolution used in an almanac?
Quote wavelength, aperture, atmosphere, detector sampling, and criterion.
What should I avoid when interpreting Angular Resolution?
Resolution is not magnification and can be limited by seeing.
