March 26, 2009
I'm looking for good diagrams explaining the difference between refracting and reflecting telescopes?
Can you answer David B's question about Binoculars?:
I own both kinds and will be teaching a bunch of cub scouts about astronomy, the solar system and telescopes. Where can I get a good cross sectional diagram of reflecting and refracting telescopes? I've found a few "cheesy" diagrams on line, but would like something that looks good that I can enlarge to poster size.
Filed under More Binoculars Answers by Binoculars Tips and Information
Comments on I'm looking for good diagrams explaining the difference between refracting and reflecting telescopes? »
This site will help…
Go to very bottom and click on the links to other stuff. There is one really cool thing where you move the bar and it takes the telescope done to its key components.
The Orion site has some great ones.
How and what makes a refracting work it has a lines in the front that focuses the light to a point where the eye piece is installed, and by moving the eye piece forward and reverse to align the optics for the best and clearest view, but remember you only get as much light as the front of the telescope allows in.
A reflecting telescope uses a convex mirror, rather that a magnifier glass like the refracting telescope.
The mirror has a larger surface to collect the in coming light, from there on most telescopes function the same.