Check whether a telescope aperture and observing wavelength can resolve a specified angular feature using the Rayleigh criterion. The result reports theoretical diffraction resolution, margin against the mission requirement, and the minimum clear aperture needed at the selected wavelength.
Rayleigh resolution (radians) = 1.22 × wavelength ÷ aperture. Convert radians to arcseconds with 206,265 arcseconds per radian. Smaller angular resolution is better.
Treat the main result as an engineering estimate based on the stated inputs. Compare it with the applicable mission requirement and retain enough traceability to update the result when assumptions change.
This calculator supports early trade studies and does not replace mission-specific simulation, environmental analysis, or professional engineering review.
At 550 nm, a 1.2 m aperture has a diffraction limit of about 0.115 arcseconds. Against a 0.15 arcsecond requirement, the design has roughly 23% margin and needs at least about 0.923 m aperture.
It uses the values shown in the input panel and the formula stated on this page. It does not add hidden operational or environmental allowances.
Yes. Decimal values are accepted within each field’s displayed range, and calculations retain precision until the result is formatted.
Use a value justified by your project’s maturity, uncertainty policy, and verification plan rather than treating the default as a universal recommendation.
No. It is a first-pass estimate for trade studies. Verify the design with subsystem models, test data, and mission-specific constraints.
Zero is accepted where it represents a physically meaningful absence of load, loss, background, duty, or maneuver demand. Inputs used as divisors must remain above zero.
| Item | Use |
|---|---|
| Primary inputs | Enter values in the units printed beside each field. |
| Margin or reserve | Applied only where stated in the formula. |
| Displayed result | Rounded for readability; internal math keeps full precision. |