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If you are interested in astronomy, one of the best tools that you can get is a telescope. It’s more ideal for looking into the night sky than binoculars because it can condense the available light better, which helps produce a clearer image. There are two kinds of telescopes: reflector and refractor. Many people want to know the differences between them and how they work. Keep reading as we list several different facts about the reflector telescope to help you understand it better.
The main difference between reflector and refractor telescopes is how they operate. A reflector telescope uses large mirrors to collect and reflect light where you need it to create a better image. A refracting telescope only uses lenses to get the job done, so the image isn’t as bright or clear. The lenses also cost more to manufacture than a mirror, so they tend to be more expensive.
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Refracting telescopes are usually the choice for beginners because they are easier to set up and use. These systems are usually closed and require little maintenance, so they are always ready to go. Reflecting telescopes are more complex and open, so you need to clean them constantly to remove the dust and dirt that can distort your view. Until you get the hang of setting them up, reflecting telescopes can take longer to start using.
Once you learn how to use them the right way, both telescopes are useful for seeing different things. Refractors are good for seeing closer items, especially bright objects, like the moon. A reflecting telescope is better at seeing distant objects that produce little light.
There are many interesting facts about the reflecting telescope. These amazing devices have been helping us understand our world better for hundreds of years now, and we learn more every day. A telescope larger than the Hubble, the James Webb telescope, has just been launched, which will help us see further into space and even through dust clouds. In a few years, we’ll have several new telescopes that are larger than anything that we have now!
Featured Image Credit: N-sky, Shutterstock
Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.
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