When operated in "planetary"mode, HST's WF/PC 2 has a focal...

When operated in "planetary"mode, HST's WF/PC 2 has a focal ratio of $f / 28.3$ with a plate scale of $0.0455^{\prime \prime}$ pixel $^{-1}$. Estimate the angular size of the field of view of one $\mathrm{CCD}$ in the planetary mode

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Key Concepts

Plate Scale

The plate scale defines the relationship between an image's size in the focal plane (measured in pixels or millimeters) and the corresponding angular size on the sky (in arcseconds). It allows one to convert distances on the detector to angular measurements, which is essential for determining the field of view.

Focal Ratio (f-number)

The focal ratio of an optical system is the ratio of its focal length to the diameter of its entrance pupil. This parameter influences the brightness and scale of the image produced, and in conjunction with the detector size, helps determine the field of view provided by the telescope's instrument.

Field of View (FOV)

The field of view is the angular extent of the sky that a camera or detector can capture in a single image. By combining the plate scale with the dimensions of the detector (in pixels), one can calculate the total angular size of the image. This concept is crucial in observational astronomy for understanding the coverage area of an imaging instrument.

CCD Detectors

CCD detectors, or charge-coupled devices, are used in astronomical instruments to record images. Their pixel dimensions and arrangement directly determine how the plate scale translates into an overall field of view, making them key components in the design and functionality of imaging systems.

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