Telescope Optics and Their Functions

Earth's Atmosphere

Transparent to visible light and radio waves only.

Optical Telescope

Uses visible light to form images of celestial objects.

Radio Telescope

Detects radio waves from astronomical sources.

Refracting Telescope

Uses lenses to bend light for image formation.

Reflecting Telescope

Uses mirrors to reflect light and form images.

Primary Lens

First lens that light hits in a telescope.

Primary Mirror

First mirror that light hits in a telescope.

Eyepiece

Magnifies the image for easier viewing.

Focal Length

Distance from lens/mirror to formed image.

Chromatic Aberration

Color distortion in refracting telescopes' images.

Achromatic Lenses

Reduce chromatic aberration but are costly.

Light-Gathering Power

Telescope's ability to collect light effectively.

Resolving Power

Ability to reveal fine details in images.

Magnifying Power

Telescope's ability to enlarge images.

Diameter Importance

LGP and RP depend on telescope diameter.

Diffraction Fringes

Light wave interference around distant star images.

Telescope RP Calculation

RP = 13.8 / diameter in cm.

Magnifying Power Formula

Calculated by dividing objective focal length by eyepiece.

Light Pollution

Artificial light brightening the night sky.

Optimal Telescope Placement

Far from civilization to minimize light pollution.

Good Optics

Prefer glass lenses over plastic for quality.

Solid Mounting

Essential for effective telescope performance.