spherical aberration
noun
: aberration that is caused by the spherical form of a lens or mirror and that gives different foci for central and marginal rays
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Hubble was initially hobbled by an error during the 94.5-inch primary mirror's fabrication that resulted in an optical defect known as spherical aberration, preventing the telescope from bringing starlight to a sharp focus.
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William Harwood, CBS News, 4 June 2024
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William Harwood, CBS News, 4 June 2024
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“Spherical aberration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spherical%20aberration. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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spherical aberration
noun
spher·i·cal aberration
ˈsfir-i-kəl-, ˈsfer- 
: aberration that is caused by the spherical form of a lens or mirror and that gives different foci for central and marginal rays
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