The application of adaptive optics to astronomy is still in the early stages, and many difficulites, including the reference star problems, are yet to be solved. But it is clear that in order to continue to explore the universe via optical ground based telescopes, it is necessary to correct for the turbulent effects of the atmosphere. Even the partial sucess of adaptive optics will allow previously impossible observations to be made, including high resolution observations of multiple star systems, star formation in galaxies, and possibly planets outside our solar system.