Not really a bad question. The diffraction spikes have been corrected for.
Honest question: Do people think stars look like the star shape because of diffraction spikes in refractor telescopes? I thought the star shape pre-dated any refractor telescope. And I don't know how many people would have seen refractor images back in the days to make it so culturally engrained?
The post-processing used in astronomical observations is a really interesting topic. I'm following the debate around the black hole images with great interest. I don't know enough about the specifics to have an opinion, but it is very interesting and has overlap with some of the things I do for work.
I’ve always wondered this. For now I’ve settled on the hypothesis that all the first astronomers all had astigmatism.
They look star-shaped because of refraction on the atmosphere and in our eyes. Those telescopes just have way larger relative distortions because they do have larger distortions and can see smaller things.
there are a series of things that can make points of light look spiky: eye defects, eyelashes when squinting, smudgy glasses, etc..
Why star, if not star shaped?
Well of course, because it's spinning too fast. So you don't see the star shape, only the blurry circle!
A smart and wise person uses this opportunity to teach. A smug asshole uses this opportunity to scoff.
an even smarter and wiser person uses this opportunity to make a post on c/science_memes
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!
From what angle would you look at the traditional star shape and see a circle?
What did I read? Oh boy...
Looks like it's holding a big baby. Awwww!
