The 3 Main Kinds of Telescopes
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by: AlanArmstrong
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Since the beginning of modern astronomy, scientists have greatly improved in building high powered telescopes. The modern telescope's earliest history can be linked back to the 16th century Netherlands. Modern day telescopes come in different types, sizes and shapes. The price of a telescope is varies according to the functions it performs. Astronomers generally place telescopes into one of two main categories. They are refractive telescopes and reflective telescopes.
Refractive telescopes have an optical device which collects light beams and gathers them on a mirror. Conversely, reflective telescopes spread out the ray of light on the mirror's surface. Besides these two major types, there is also a pretty well known type, called a compound telescope. This type actually combines the qualities of the reflective and refractive telescopes. Combining these qualities may not necessarily mean that a compound telescope will be more effective. In theory, all of the three types have their advantages and drawbacks.
When the word telescope is mentioned, most people think of a refractive one. The far end is opened, and it slants downward to the opposite end, which is closed. Most people are very familiar with the appearance of this type, since it's often pictured in text books and similar places. This type can easily be found at any nearby store. The main advantage of the refractive telescope is that they are very easy to maintain. The tube is enclosed which keeps the glass surface protected from the outside elements such as heat, dust, and winds. The main disadvantage is that it suffers from chromatic aberration which is a defect that allows the light to form a rainbow around an image. With refractive telescopes, faraway objects can't be seen too clearly because the mirror creates light spectra around them.
On the contrary, it is easier to observe distant planets and galaxies with a reflective telescopes. In renowned astronomy labs all over the planet, you will find these gigantic devices. This type is now available to be used in homes and smaller labs because of the advantages of it's reflective surface. A reflective telescope works much like a pocket, in that it collects and holds the light radiating from the object it is pointed at. It is possible for viewers to make the object look bigger than their normal size by adjusting the objective mirror at the end from the trapped beam. The main disadvantage is to maintain the telescope as the mirror and related material is exposed to the outside environment. To most viewers, it is not a major factor influencing their use of the telescope, as the maintenance for smaller telescopes is not a problem large enough to outweigh its huge advantages.
The third type is commercially available compound telescope that is a good starter telescope for novices and beginners. It unites refractive and reflective qualities to provide better view and magnification. This being said, compound telescopes are not normally used by advanced astronomers. Apart form the above types, there are more advanced versions including radio and x-ray telescopes, among others.
For a beginner, it is suggested to look for a professional telescope outlet and buy after a getting a professional advice from an expert. Familiarize yourself with the local stores that carry telescopes. It is not a good idea to buy your first telescope from a local shop as the telescopes might not be of the highest quality. This is due to the large scale production of telescopes that has led to inferior material quality which in turn poses a significant malfunctioning risk. A professional outlet always provides warranty and guarantees to fix any problems. The cost of a beginner telescope varies from two hundred to twenty five hundred dollars. Because of this, look for telescopes in the over $400 range.
About the Author
Alan Armstrong has always been fascinated with astronomy, even as a kid. To welcome people to the addiction of star gazing, he shows how buy telescopes to get them on the right track.
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