Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
Reflective correctors for the Hubble Space Telescope axial instruments
Abstract:
Reflective correctors to compensate the spherical aberration in the Hubble Space Telescope are placed in front of three of the axial scientific instruments (a camera and two spectrographs) during the first scheduled refurbishment mission. The five correctors required are deployed from a new module that replaces the fourth axial instrument. Each corrector consists of a field mirror and an aspherical, aberration-correcting reimaging mirror. In the camera the angular resolution capability is restored, be it in reduced fields, and in the spectrographs the potential for observations in crowded areas is regained along with effective light collection at the slits.
Related Concept Videos
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Common Leveling Mistakes and Errors
Distance Corrections
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence Microscopy
