The mirrors on the Hale Telescope are polished to what tolerance for light waves?

The mirrors on the Hale Telescope are polished to a tolerance of one-millionth of an inch, allowing them to accurately reflect light waves. This level of precision is essential for astronomical observations, as even the slightest imperfections could distort the images captured by the telescope. These mirrors must be built with such exacting standards because they operate in an environment where clarity and resolution are paramount. Therefore, the polishing process ensures that the surface smoothness minimizes any potential scattering of light, which is critical for high-quality imaging of distant celestial objects. This practice exemplifies the rigorous engineering and scientific principles that underpin modern astronomy.