What is the proposed concept of space-based interferometry?
Answer
To create a single, enormous virtual mirror
Space-based interferometry is a future concept designed to achieve the extreme angular resolution required to image surface features on exoplanets. It involves launching multiple small, individual telescopes into space and flying them in precise formation at distances of hundreds or thousands of meters apart. By combining the light collected by these separate units, they act in unison as a single, massive virtual mirror. This massive synthetic aperture would provide the resolution necessary to see beyond single pixels of light and resolve distant worlds.
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