Lab 5 - Telescopes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to telescopes, including definitions related to light gathering, resolution, magnification, types of telescopes, and how these attributes impact astronomical observations.

Light Gathering Power (LGP)

A measure of a telescope’s ability to collect light, proportional to the area of the primary mirror or lens.

Angular resolution

How clearly a telescope can resolve small details; smaller angular resolution allows for observing smaller details.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the apparent size of an object, depends on the focal lengths of the objective lens and eyepiece.

Refracting telescope

Telescopes that use lenses to collect and focus light.

Reflecting telescope

Telescopes that use mirrors to collect and focus light.

Focal length

The distance from the lens or mirror to the focal point where light converges.

Aperture

The diameter of the primary lens or mirror in a telescope, affecting light gathering ability.

Field of View (FOV)

The extent of the observable world seen through the telescope, usually expressed in degrees.

Eyepiece

The lens through which a viewer looks into a telescope, helping to magnify the image.

Objective lens

The lens at the front of a telescope that gathers light and focuses it.

Simulation

A computer-generated model used to demonstrate the principles of telescope functions.

Telescope Simulator

An interactive tool used to explore different properties and functionalities of telescopes.

Astrometric measurements

Measurements used in astronomy to determine the positions, motions, and distances of celestial objects.

Optical telescope

A telescope that gathers and focuses visible light to observe celestial objects.

Infrared telescope

A telescope that observes astronomical objects in the infrared spectrum.

Gamma-ray telescope

A telescope designed to observe astronomical objects that emit gamma rays.

Primary mirror

The main mirror in a reflecting telescope that collects light.

Secondary mirror

A mirror in reflecting telescopes that redirects light to the eyepiece.

Resolution

The ability of a telescope to distinguish between two closely spaced objects.

Brightness

The perceived light intensity of an object as viewed through a telescope.

Observation

The act of viewing or studying celestial objects through a telescope.

Research telescope

A telescope used primarily for scientific research and observation of astronomical phenomena.

Planetary details

Specific features observable on planets, such as surface characteristics and atmospheric conditions.

Star clusters

Groups of stars that are close together in space and are frequently observed with telescopes.

Nebulae

Giant clouds of gas and dust in space, often observed with telescopes.

Optical resolution

The ability of a telescope to resolve and display fine details of a light source.

Measurement

The process of obtaining numerical data for the attributes of telescopes, such as LGP.

Data recording

The process of documenting observations made through the telescope simulation.

Study

An investigation to understand the properties and types of telescopes.

Astrophotography

The use of photography in astronomy to capture images of celestial objects.

Light pollution

Excess artificial light in the night sky that affects astronomical observations.

Celestial navigation

A technique used by sailors to navigate using the positions of stars and planets.

Telescope eyepiece combination

The pairing of a telescope with a specific eyepiece to enhance magnification and field of view.

Observation box

A section of a simulation interface used to display the currently viewed object.

Aperture size

The size of the opening in a telescope through which light enters, affecting its light-gathering ability.

Astronomical instruments

Tools and devices used in the study and observation of celestial objects.

Wavelength range

The spectrum of light wavelengths a telescope is equipped to observe.

Research findings

Insights and conclusions drawn from telescope observations and data analysis.

History of telescopes

The evolution and development of telescopes over time, including notable advancements.

Choosing a telescope

The process of selecting a telescope based on intended use and observational goals.

Scientific methodology

A systematic approach to research and experimentation in the field of astronomy.

Focusing technique

The method used to sharpen the image seen through a telescope.