Laser ranging

Laser Ranging is a technique used in geodesy, astronomy, and other fields to measure distance. It involves the use of a laser to send a pulse of light to a target, which then reflects the light back to the source. The time it takes for the light to travel to the target and back is measured, and this information is used to calculate the distance to the target.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of laser ranging dates back to the early 1960s, shortly after the invention of the laser. The first successful experiments in laser ranging were conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1962, using a ruby laser to measure the distance to the moon.

Technique[edit | edit source]

In a typical laser ranging system, a short pulse of light is emitted by a laser. This light travels to the target, where it is reflected back towards the source. The time it takes for the light to travel to the target and back is measured with a high-speed clock. Since the speed of light is known, this time measurement can be used to calculate the distance to the target.

Laser ranging can be used to measure distances to a variety of targets, including satellites, the moon, and other celestial bodies. It can also be used to measure distances on Earth, for applications such as surveying and geodesy.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Laser ranging has a wide range of applications. In geodesy, it is used to measure the Earth's shape, rotation, and gravitational field. In astronomy, it is used to measure the distance to the moon, planets, and other celestial bodies. In engineering, it is used in surveying and construction to measure distances with high precision.