What is a Telescope?

A telescope is an instrument used to observe remote objects and the collection of electromagnetic radiation. It is an amazing invention in the world of astronomy and science.

The telescope was invented by Prince Fredrick Sesi in the year 1611. “Telescope” comes form the two Greek words, “tele” meaning “far” and “skopein” meaning “far-seeing”.

Telescope usually refers to optical telescope however there are telescopes that operate in regions of electromagnetic spectrum.

Telescope covers a wide range of instruments that is a bit difficult to define. Every telescope has the ability of collecting electromagnetic radiation so it can be studied. The most common type of telescope is the optical telescope.

Telescopes came into being when scientists discovered the property of light and its characteristic of deviating when it passes from one medium to another which is more commonly known as the property of refraction.

The basics behind the telescope are the ability of a lens to redirect light to a desired particular point. Different lenses are used for different desired magnifications of objects present in the universe.

Have you ever wondered how the telescope works? Don’t know if you have had a chance to look through a telescope, I have. It is extremely fascinating to be able to spot objects that are miles and miles away absolutely clearly.

What is more, it feels like the object is right before you. Optical telescopes are used for varied purposes. You binoculars, spotting scopes, camera lenses, monoculars and spyglasses, all make use of optical telescopes.

Optical telescopes:

The optical telescopes increases the size of the distant objects, thus through a telescope you can see far away objects as If they were near. The objects are enlarged and are very clearly visible through the telescope.

The optical telescopes increase the apparent size and brightness of the object that you are viewing. Telescopes are mainly used in the study of astronomy.

Optical telescopes are of two types, refracting and reflecting. The refracting telescopes use a different lens. Like the name suggests this telescope uses the property of refraction of light. In this telescope, parallel rays of light pass through a convex lens that refracts.

It finally converges at a focus and is viewed by a small magnifying lens known as eye piece.

Reflecting telescopes are made from mirrors and lenses.

This telescope uses the reflecting property of light. Parallel rays of light converge at the centre of a concave mirror and is magnified using an eye piece.