What does "SAXO+" mean?
Table of Contents
SAXO+ is an upgrade to an existing system used in a large telescope to improve how we see faraway planets, especially young ones that are similar to Jupiter. This upgrade adds new technology to make the imaging clearer and more accurate.
Key Features
The main upgrade includes a second set of tools called adaptive optics. This new system has a special sensor for near-infrared light and an extra mirror. This helps fix any remaining errors in the images we get after the initial corrections.
Importance of Non-Common Path Aberrations
Recent research has shown that small errors in the images, called non-common path aberrations, can limit how clear the pictures are. These errors will become even more important with SAXO+ since the first step corrections will be better.
Techniques and Testing
Many methods to handle these errors have been tested on the current system. The new sensor technology might make it harder to fix these issues, and simulations have been run to see how these errors affect the final images.
Conclusion
Overall, SAXO+ aims to provide better images of distant planets, helping scientists in their research by improving clarity and reducing errors in the captured images.