What is Telescope: Definition and 513 Discussions

A telescope is an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to observe distant objects, or various devices used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. The first known practical telescopes were refracting telescopes invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 17th century, by using glass lenses. They were used for both terrestrial applications and astronomy.
The reflecting telescope, which uses mirrors to collect and focus light, was invented within a few decades of the first refracting telescope. In the 20th century, many new types of telescopes were invented, including radio telescopes in the 1930s and infrared telescopes in the 1960s. The word telescope now refers to a wide range of instruments capable of detecting different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and in some cases other types of detectors.

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  1. Q

    Making Telescopes: Simple Resources for Beginners

    Is there any site that discuss about making telescopes that is fairly simple?
  2. N

    Stargazing Hubble Space Telescope - O'Keefe forced to reconsider?

    According to this article, some powerful folk are fighting O'Keefe's decision: http://skyandtelescope.com/news/article_1160_1.asp You might want to have your say too.
  3. G

    Stargazing Revolutionizing Telescope Technology: The Potential of Analog Nano-Tech Mirrors

    Some may be aware that 10 years ago or so, Texas Instruments began manufacturing a display device using nano-technology. It consists of a two dimensional array of mirrors. Each mirror can be actuated to lie at a different angle. It is strictly a binary device; a mirror is at one or the other...
  4. J

    Stargazing Telescope Q: Does Larger Diameter Mean Objects Appear Brighter?

    If a telescope is 2 time bigger in diameter then you can see object 4 times fainter, but does that mean that object appear 4 times brighter?
  5. P

    Stargazing A simple refractor homemade telescope

    Hi: I was looking for ideas for a homemade telescope for my son and saw this site, http://www.geocities.com/telescope1999/14-5inch.html Paging down some I saw that he made a telescope lens from the bottom of a bottle. It this possible? Did Bernard Schmidt really make such a...
  6. Greg Bernhardt

    Some comets are only visible with the help of a telescope

    While some comets are only visible with the help of a telescope, this comet, seen in 1965, was visible to the naked eye even during the day! What comet was it?
  7. M

    Stargazing The James Webb space telescope

    NASA have definitelly chosen the primary mirror for the JWST. It will be a berylium-based mirror. The JWST will be launched in 2011 to replace the Hubble www.universetoday.com/am/publish/james_webb_mirror_approved.html Woa! I can't wait til then!
  8. E

    NASA Telescope Needs a Month to Reach Optimal Operating Temperature

    Reading the article at http://www.msnbc.com/news/961142.asp?0dm=C13NT I saw that it said the new scope needed about a month to cool down to optimal operating temperature. Why would it take a month? E6S
  9. R

    How Does a Reverse Galilean Telescope Minify Images?

    This is not a homework question but I am posting it here because I think it may be too basic for the other forums. I am looking for a ray diagram for a reverse galilean telescope (ie. + eyepiece, - objective, so image is minified). Can anyone describe what the ray diagram would look like or...
  10. K

    Slowing Down a Telescope: Showercaps, Endcaps & Dustcovers

    I need tips on how to slow down a fast telescope. I've heard of showercaps, endcaps, and dustcovers; but what I need are details on how to construct a good quality piece that will stop down the aperture.
  11. S

    Stargazing Need advice/opinions on a telescope

    http://www.ehobbies.com/1004-2786.html I know a person who is selling this telescope for $300 used. He says it's in great shape. But I hear these telescopes are made cheap using cardboard and stuff. Anyone have experience or comments about them? I have a cheap-o 60mm refractor telescope...
  12. kleinma

    Stargazing Best Telescope Recommendations for City Viewing Near NYC

    well I am looking to buy a telescope... I want something with power.. I live somewhat near NYC (about 40 min) so I get a lot of city light in the sky... what do you guys think of this other than the fact that it weighs a lot.. its not something I would be lugging around.. only on rare...
  13. quantumdude

    Stargazing What are the latest features and top picks for telescopes?

    I'm fixing to buy a telescope. I saw one in the Discovery Channel Store at the mall that has a digital camera. Are there any other sexy features on telescopes that I should know about? What are some good buys?
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