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Petal Palter
Petal Palter
July 18, 2022January 28, 2025

Diffraction Spikes

“That’s because you’re depicting light, not ice.”

I am in love with the images from the James Webb Telescope.  They’re gorgeous, detailed, zoom-able, and even though it wouldn’t look like that if you were there in person, I’m excited that we have sensors that can show that awesome alternate perspective.   While I happily immersed myself in the images, I noticed that the stars have eight lines emanating from the center, rather than six.  I wondered why the number six was in my head and remembered that snowflakes have six sides.  ALSO, I learned that the shape of the mirrors used to take the pictures affects the number of diffraction spikes.  Want to know what’s on my mind?  It’s this.

2 thoughts on “Diffraction Spikes”

  1. Lorie Hood says:
    August 23, 2022 at 7:44 pm

    I love this!! It makes me think!!

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    1. Marissa K says:
      August 24, 2022 at 7:49 am

      Thanks! That is what I like about it, too!

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Marissa K

I paint these by hand, usually with watercolor. I love the way a good piece of art can both describe something you do know and be something you haven't encountered yet.

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