Radio interferometry observations can be recorded and combined later, but optical interferometry requires the images to be combined live because of the short wavelength, so that's not an option.
Quote from: RonM on 12/09/2016 03:41 pmRadio interferometry observations can be recorded and combined later, but optical interferometry requires the images to be combined live because of the short wavelength, so that's not an option.Since PlanetLabs does have the capability of downloading of images in near real time, does this allow for interferometry using the constellation?
Radio interferometry observations can be recorded and combined later, but optical interferometry requires the images to be combined live because of the short wavelength, so that's not an option.Observing stellar occultations would be very useful. Can be used to determine asteroid sizes and might even spot asteroid moons.
Quote from: Danderman on 12/09/2016 04:53 pmSince PlanetLabs does have the capability of downloading of images in near real time, does this allow for interferometry using the constellation?No, nothing even close.
Since PlanetLabs does have the capability of downloading of images in near real time, does this allow for interferometry using the constellation?
The closest operating analog is probably the BRITE constellation https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BRITEYou can find some good papers describing the concept, challenges and results on arxiv.As as58 says, interferometry is totally out of the question. At optical wavelengths, you need to physically combine the light from the telescopes, and also maintain the separation with extreme precision.