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What Is a Reflecting Telescope?

As their name suggests, a reflector telescope works by reflecting light to form an image. These kinds of telescopes were made in response to refracting telescopes and today they are widely used among astronomers and in observatories. Even though these telescopes are not without their own image distortions, they are still one of the most highly regarded telescopes in use. There are various types being used, each with its own specific design purpose.

Mirror
- The main component of a reflecting telescope is a large, curved mirror that reflects light. This mirror acts much in the same way as a lens would, and is sometimes combined with other mirrors in larger telescopes to create a more comprehensive image.
Benefits
- Unlike refractory telescopes, reflecting telescopes do not face chromatic aberration. This is described at fuzziness in the image thanks to not being able to focus all colors into one single point.
Astronomy
- These types of telescopes are popular in astronomy because of their cost and efficiency. It is much easier and more cost-effective to create the large mirrors needed to view distant celestial objects rather than to make large lenses that do the same.
Origin
- Isaac Newton created the first reflecting telescope in 1669. This prototype was then worked on and further advancements to the telescope were made and introduced throughout the 1670s.
Warning
- Reflecting telescopes do alter the image. Objects shapes are affected by distortion, and there is a zoom coma that can cause the image to be somewhat fuzzy. Make sure the telescope has catadiptrics or similar modifications that can cause the image to be clearer.

Astronomy