Resolution is your telescope’s ability to separate close objects and reveal fine detail. The diffraction limit, a physical property of light, defines the theoretical maximum resolution based on aperture.
The formula: Resolution (arcseconds) ≈ 116 divided by diameter in millimeters shows that doubling your telescope’s diameter roughly doubles its resolving power.
This means larger apertures can reveal cloud bands on Jupiter, ring gaps on Saturn, and even split close double stars.
Remember, atmospheric turbulence often limits resolution more than aperture size, so clear, steady skies are key.
