Telescope
A telescope is an instrument designed for viewing distant objects, particularly useful for observing planets. The magnification of the telescope determines the quality of the view. The objective lens, located at the front, produces an inverted image of the observed object. The eye lens, near the eye, acts as a magnifying glass to enlarge this inverted image, forming the fundamental principle of telescopes.
Types of Telescope
There are two main types of telescopes: refracting and reflecting. Refracting telescopes utilize lenses to focus light while reflecting telescopes use mirrors. Convex lenses, shaping the refracting telescope, bend light inwards to create a closer appearance of the object. Reflecting telescopes, on the other hand, employ concave mirrors to reflect and focus light, achieving the same goal through reflection rather than bending.
Telescope Components
Optical Tube: Holds mirrors and lenses, gathering light to form a clear image.
Eyepiece: Magnifies the image and presents it to the viewer’s eye.
Focuser: A tube with an adjustable eyepiece for focusing the image.
Finderscope: Aids in locating the direction of the object to be observed.
Star Diagonal: Facilitates comfortable telescope viewing by adjusting incoming light.
Mount: Holds and allows the rotation of the telescope towards the object.
Tripod: Provides a stable platform for the mount and telescope, with height-adjustable legs to prevent vibrations during observation.