Telescopes: Portals of Discovery chapter 6

These flashcards cover key concepts related to telescopes, including their design, function, and the effects of Earth's atmosphere on astronomical observation.

What is refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one substance into another.

How does your eye form an image?

Your eye uses refraction to bend parallel light rays so that they form an image on the retina.

What is the focal plane?

The focal plane is where light from different directions comes into focus.

What are the two most important properties of a telescope?

1. Light-collecting area 2. Angular resolution.

What does a larger light-collecting area in a telescope allow?

It allows the telescope to gather a greater amount of light in a shorter time.

How do refracting and reflecting telescopes differ?

Refracting telescopes focus light with lenses, while reflecting telescopes focus light with mirrors.

What is angular resolution?

The minimum angular separation that a telescope can distinguish.

What problem does turbulence in Earth's atmosphere cause for telescopes?

It distorts our view and causes stars to appear to twinkle.

Why do we put telescopes into space?

To observe forms of light other than radio and visible light that do not pass through Earth's atmosphere.

What is interferometry?

Interferometry is a technique for linking two or more telescopes to achieve the angular resolution of a single large telescope.