Glossary

Rayleigh Limit 

updated:  2022-10-15


Rayleigh Criterion or Rayleigh Limit expresses the theoretical maximum resolving power of a telescope (or microscope) according to the formula:


 R =

λ = wavelength in nm

D is the diameter of the main lens (aperture)

R is the resolving power of the instrument in arcsec



Special formula for wavelength of about 562nm:


R = 11.6/D

D is the diameter of the main lens (aperture)
R is the resolving power of the instrument in arcsec

This is also called the Dawes' Limit.


A telescope with an aperture of 90mm will therefor have a typical Dawes' Limit or angular resolution of 1.53" arcsec.


See: Rayleigh Criterion - Wikipedia

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