Science: Electron Astronomy

The huge, complex telescopes of modern astronomy have a simple purpose: to concentrate light. Their mirrors (up to 200 inches in diameter) and lenses catch a wide bundle of light rays from faint stars or nebulae and cram them together at a small focus on a sensitized plate. Last week two French astronomers, Andre Lallemand and Maurice Duchesnes, were showing off a new wrinkle in astrophotography. Instead of depending on the original starlight to make the photographic impression, they plan to amplify the light's energy before it reaches the plate.

The image of...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!