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LO1 List three advantages of reflecting telescopes over refract- ing telescopes.

LO1 List three advantages of reflecting telescopes over refract- ing telescopes.

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**Learning Objective 1 (LO1)**: *List three advantages of reflecting telescopes over refracting telescopes.* ## Reflecting Telescopes vs. Refracting Telescopes In astronomical observations, telescopes play an essential role in magnifying distant celestial bodies. They are generally categorized into two main types: reflecting telescopes and refracting telescopes. Below are three key advantages that reflecting telescopes have over refracting telescopes: 1. **Elimination of Chromatic Aberration**: Reflecting telescopes use mirrors rather than lenses to gather light. Mirrors reflect all wavelengths of light to a single focal point, whereas lenses can disperse light into its component colors (a phenomenon known as chromatic aberration). This means reflecting telescopes do not suffer from chromatic aberration, resulting in clearer and more accurate images. 2. **Support for Larger Apertures**: The primary mirror in a reflecting telescope can be made much larger than the primary lens in a refracting telescope. Larger apertures allow reflecting telescopes to gather more light, which is crucial for observing dim objects in deep space. Additionally, mirrors are easier and more cost-effective to produce in large sizes compared to lenses. 3. **Less Optical Distortion and Manufacturing Complexity**: Mirrors, being reflective surfaces, only need one side accurately shaped and polished. This simplicity reduces the potential for optical distortions common in lenses that require precise curvature on both sides. Furthermore, large lenses are often heavy and can sag under their own weight, introducing additional distortions; mirrors do not have this problem as they can be supported from the back. These advantages make reflecting telescopes highly favored in modern astronomical research and professional observatories.
Transcribed Image Text:**Learning Objective 1 (LO1)**: *List three advantages of reflecting telescopes over refracting telescopes.* ## Reflecting Telescopes vs. Refracting Telescopes In astronomical observations, telescopes play an essential role in magnifying distant celestial bodies. They are generally categorized into two main types: reflecting telescopes and refracting telescopes. Below are three key advantages that reflecting telescopes have over refracting telescopes: 1. **Elimination of Chromatic Aberration**: Reflecting telescopes use mirrors rather than lenses to gather light. Mirrors reflect all wavelengths of light to a single focal point, whereas lenses can disperse light into its component colors (a phenomenon known as chromatic aberration). This means reflecting telescopes do not suffer from chromatic aberration, resulting in clearer and more accurate images. 2. **Support for Larger Apertures**: The primary mirror in a reflecting telescope can be made much larger than the primary lens in a refracting telescope. Larger apertures allow reflecting telescopes to gather more light, which is crucial for observing dim objects in deep space. Additionally, mirrors are easier and more cost-effective to produce in large sizes compared to lenses. 3. **Less Optical Distortion and Manufacturing Complexity**: Mirrors, being reflective surfaces, only need one side accurately shaped and polished. This simplicity reduces the potential for optical distortions common in lenses that require precise curvature on both sides. Furthermore, large lenses are often heavy and can sag under their own weight, introducing additional distortions; mirrors do not have this problem as they can be supported from the back. These advantages make reflecting telescopes highly favored in modern astronomical research and professional observatories.
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