Reflecting Telescopes



The optical system in reflecting telescopes makes use of a primary mirror to reflect light from a distant object so it can be focused to a central point, and magnified by an eyepiece.

These scopes were first popularized by Sir Isaac Newton in the 17th century, and it is often referred to as a Newtonian reflector.

Reflecting telescopes feature larger apertures for a broad range of viewing options at a very affordable price. Purposely designed with the eyepiece positioned towards the top of the tube, reflectors tend to be more comfortable to use for observing night-sky objects such as nebulae, the moon, planets and galaxies.These are great scopes but can be somewhat heavier than refracting telescopes.

Since these type of scopes have a huge light focusing ability, you will be able to view deep sky objects and take pictures as well.

Working Out The magnification

Both the reflecting and refracting telescopes are very often referred to by 2 numbers separated by an "x". For instance, 100x4.5. The 1st number refers to the magnification of the telescope.

So... with a 100x4.5" telescope, the object being viewed appears to be 100 times closer compared to viewing with the naked eye.

The magnification of a telescope is determined by dividing its focal length by the focal length of the eyepiece.

To illustrate... a 500mm telescope with a 5mm eyepiece would magnify objects 100x. Hence, a telescope can provide practically any magnification that is deemed necessary based on the focal length of the telescope eyepiece being used.

Since the majority of objects in the sky are extremely large high magnification is not essential. Instead, a telescope that gathers plenty of light is necessary to make dim objects appear brighter and sharper.

The power or magnification plays a major role in the overall size and bulk of the telescope, because as power increases so does the physical size of the objective lens.

Also see refracting telescope...




Bushnell Reflector Telescopes
This range of telescopes provide amateur astronomers with a state of the art computer-driven location and tracking capability with uncomplicated, push-button control.

Meade Reflector Telescopes
These scopes by Meade offer a great introduction to astronomy for those requiring larger aperture views.

Dobsonian Telescopes
The design is intended for visually observing faint objects, a requirement where the observer needs a large objective diameter

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