Final answer:
Yes, by using radio interferometry and connecting multiple radio telescopes electronically, astronomers can simulate the resolution of a much larger telescope, allowing them to create sharper images in spite of radio waves' long wavelengths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, multiple radio telescopes can be connected together electronically to achieve the resolution of a larger telescope. This technique is known as radio interferometry.
By linking two or more radio telescopes, astronomers can sharply improve the resolution despite the long wavelengths of radio waves, which generally make it harder to resolve fine detail. This method allows the linked telescopes to function as an interferometer.
Larger interferometer arrays do not require the dishes to be physically connected; they can be placed vast distances apart, significantly enhancing resolution.
With precise timing of the arrival of electromagnetic waves and advanced computing to combine data, an interferometer can exceed the resolution of visible-light telescopes. For example, the Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico consists of 27 radio telescopes spread over 36 kilometers, creating high-resolution images at radio wavelengths.