Television Astronomical Observations at the Pulkovo Observatory

Abstract

In recent years we witnessed in science and technology a wide application of the methods of television in intensifying the brightness of faint images. The increase in brightness of the image makes it, in turn, possible to shorten considerably the time of exposure. In astronomical observations using photographic techniques this proves to be very important, since it enables us to lessen the adverse effects of the atmospheric disturbance and thereby to bring the resolving power of the telescope closer to its theoretical value. Besides, in the television system the image is converted into a series of electrical signals, one following the other with very high speed. This makes it possible to perform any kind of a manipulation with the video signals—for example, to add them, to subtract them, etc., and to examine the results in the form of an image on the screen of the kinescope. On it, it is possible to view at the same time several images of simultaneous phenomena occurring at different points in space. This characteristic of the television system distinguishes it from other methods and possibilities for electron amplification of the brightness of images used in practice.