Re: What is the difference between a refracting and reflecting telescope?

Date: Mon Nov 29 11:58:11 1999
Posted By: Frederick Carranti, P.E., Research Engineer, Mechanical, Aerospace, & Manufacturing Engineering, Syracuse University
Area of science: Astronomy
ID: 943654705.As

Message:

In a reflecting telescope, the most common versions being the newtonian or the cassegrain, light enters the optical tube at one end, is reflected and focused by a sperical or parabolic concave mirror, is usually reflected one more time, and is focused through an eyepiece. In a refracting telescope, the light enters the tube through a set of lenses called the objective, passes down the length of the tube, and is also focused with an eyepiece. There are many versions of each type, but these are their basic features. A good beginners book on astronomy, which discusses these and other types of telescope is NIGHTWATCH by Terrence Dickinson. Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

Frederick J. Carranti, P.E.
Engineer-in-Residence
Institute for Manufacturing Enterprises
151 Link Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse NY 13244
carranti@ecs.syr.edu

[Moderator's note: There are good links to resources about buying telescopes on Yahoo.

Jim O'Donnell, jim@penfold0.demon.co.uk ]

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