Telescopes - Components and Types

These flashcards cover the main concepts related to telescopes, including their components, types, advantages and disadvantages, and technological advancements.

What are the three basic components of a telescope?

The optical tube assembly, the mounting, and the detector.

What is the function of the optical tube assembly in a telescope?

It collects light and brings it to a focus.

What are the two categories of optical tube assemblies?

Refractor and Reflector.

What does chromatic aberration refer to in refracting telescopes?

It is the effect where different wavelengths of light are bent by different amounts, causing a haze around bright objects.

What is an achromatic refractor?

A modern refractor that uses two lens elements made of different types of glass to minimize chromatic aberration.

What is the primary purpose of the eyepiece in a telescope?

To magnify the image for viewing.

Who designed the simplest reflecting telescope?

Isaac Newton.

What is the advantage of reflectors over refractors?

Reflectors do not require perfect glass and are easier to make in larger sizes.

What does 'seeing' refer to in the context of telescopes?

The clarity of the view, affected by atmospheric turbulence.

What is adaptive optics in telescope technology?

A system that deforms the telescope's main mirror rapidly to compensate for atmospheric refraction.

What is the purpose of the CCD in electronic detectors?

It is a charge-coupled device used to capture images in digital format with high quantum efficiency.

What is the maximum useful magnification for a telescope?

Approximately 40 times the telescope diameter in inches.

What is the primary disadvantage of reflector telescopes?

Secondary mirrors and supports can diffract light and distort the image.

Why do telescopes need to be large for light gathering power?

A larger diameter collects more light, increasing the telescope's ability to capture photons.

What does the term 'resolution' mean in telescope observations?

The smallest separation two objects can have and still be seen as distinct.

What is the formula for calculating resolution in telescopes?

α (arc seconds) ≈ 2.5 x 105 λ/D, where D is the diameter of the telescope in meters and λ is the wavelength detected in meters.

What is the role of film in photography with telescopes?

Film provides a permanent and unbiased record, allowing long exposures and quick data collection.

What challenges are associated with CCD images?

CCD images can have significant noise and are typically in black & white, requiring processing for color representation.