The ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), in collaboration with the Imran Parvez Khan Institute (IPKI), hosted another insightful session of its Science Chronicles Webinar Series on October 8, 2025. The webinar featured a distinguished talk by Prof. Pierre Léna, Emeritus Professor at the Paris Observatory and Université Paris-Cité, and Member of the French Académie des sciences. The session was moderated by Mr. Khalil Raza, Programs Manager at ECOSF.

In his lecture titled “The Long Quest of Astronomy for Sharp Images,” Prof. Léna traced the remarkable evolution of astronomical instruments and imaging technologies that have transformed our understanding of the universe. He explained how limitations of the human eyes inspired the invention of telescopes, and described the challenges posed by atmospheric turbulence in early observations. He highlighted the pioneering work of astronomers such as George Airyand Edwin Hubble, whose discoveries laid the foundation for modern adaptive optics — a technology that corrects atmospheric distortions to produce sharper images of celestial objects.

Prof. Léna elaborated on two revolutionary techniques in astronomical imaging — adaptive optics and optical interferometry. He discussed their development and applications, from observing exoplanets and solar structures to constructing advanced facilities like the European Very Large Telescope and the forthcoming 39-meter telescope in Chile. He also reflected on the future of European astronomy, outlining two possible directions: the construction of even larger ground-based telescopes or the development of space-based interferometers requiring international cooperation.

The session concluded with closing remarks from Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President of ECOSF, who expressed deep appreciation for Prof. Léna’s valuable contribution and reaffirmed ECOSF’s commitment to promoting scientific knowledge and education across the ECO region.