Numerous Choices Of Reflecting Telescope

August 20, 2010 by Emily Halleriskey  
Filed under Astronomy

Reflecting telescopes are used for a long time now. They were first invented in the 17th century and are sometimes called a reflector that has led to confusion with the reflecting and refracting telescope. The refracting telescope precedes the reflecting telescope but it is seldom used and most telescopes that are used nowadays are the reflecting type.

It is because refracting telescopes suffer from chromatic aberrations, due to the various refractive indexes on the lenses in these telescopes. What this means is that around each picture, color fringes appear. While this can be reduced, it is easier to use a reflecting telescope.

Design Factors

The first reflecting telescope to solve the problem of chromatic aberrations was a telescope that was introduced by Sir Isaac Newton. The Newtonian design for reflecting telescopes is in use these days and is one of the simplest designs of modern telescopes available nowadays. It is also one of the most affordable telescopes. Anyone is deciding to make their telescope would be able to put together a reflecting telescope of this type.

The Cassegrain or Classic Cassegrain telescope is also extremely popular and it is in part because of its compact design. This is accomplished by folding the optics in the telescope. While the design does lose some light gathering power, it has an advantage with a closed tube which stays clean all the time.

Best telescopes follow the Ritchey-Chretien design. It’s an offshoot of the Cassegrain design and has two hyperbolic mirrors. This design characteristic is different from the Cassegrain, which uses one parabolic primary mirror instead. This kind of telescopic lens is great in photography.

Another reflecting telescope that is used is the Yolo. One of the problems associated with this telescope is astigmatism. This leads to double vision and certain blind spots. This can be corrected however and one of the advantages of this telescope is the fact that it eliminates the problem of coma, a problem prevalent in numerous telescope designs.

Based on your particular needs, you can find different types of reflecting telescopes that would fit your specifications. For amateur telescope building and astronomy, starting with a Newtonian telescope is a great place to start. It’s also the most affordable kind and a great starting point when you are just starting to explore the world of telescopes. When you have ignited your passion, there are various other designs which you can try out for star gazing and wide field observation.

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