The Refracting Telescope

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When it comes to telescopes, there are a variety of shapes and sizes. There are actually a few main types based on how they work and what they are used to view. Since the first one was developed in the 17th century, people have been looking towards the stars. They're wondering what's out there, and fascinated by the possibilities. Today's telescopes are light years beyond the ones developed all those centuries ago. They're able to see deep into space towards galaxies and distant stars. Telescopes come in a few types based on what they are meant to view like space telescopes or solar telescopes. The Refracting Telescope An optical telescope is one that an astronomer uses to view planets and galaxies with their eye pressed to an eyepiece. …show more content…

They usually have a large aperture for allowing more light to enter through the primary lens. The lenses are large and the body or tube is quite long. This will have an impact on the price of the telescope since high quality lenses are vital for the images' clarity. A heavy telescope is harder to transport, so that should be kept in mind when finding a telescope for amateur astronomers as a gift. Reflecting Telescope This type of telescope is known as a catoptrics version of a telescope. The tube and lens system is similar to that of a refracting telescope. There are many things similar, but others are vastly different for a reflecting telescope. The tube allows light to enter through one end. On that end is a primary mirror, and on the other end is a secondary mirror. The primary mirror reflects the light to the secondary mirror and towards the eyepiece. The eyepiece is normally mounted on the side of the tube, which is how you can see the difference immediately in a telescope. Reflecting telescopes are popular because they're smaller and compact compared to refracting telescopes. This allows astronomers to break them down and carry them to other locations quite easily. It's important to be careful with the mirrors, though. They can be knocked out of

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