Novel Calibration Tool Will Help Astronomers Look for Habitable Exoplanets
Friday, January 29, 2016 - 15:41
in Astronomy & Space
Promising new calibration tools, called laser frequency combs, could allow astronomers to take a major step in discovering and characterizing earthlike planets around other stars. These devices generate evenly spaced lines of light, much like the teeth on a comb for styling hair or the tick marks on a ruler--hence their nickname of "optical rulers."