Telescope: An Introduction

The partnership between astronomy and the telescope goes a long way.

Few facts and trivia on the telescope:

1. Dutch eyeglass maker Hans Lippershey was credited as the inventor of the first telescope and is also sometimes credited with the invention of the compound microscope.

2. The telescope as first used in the field of astronomy by Galileo Galilei. Through his crude telescope, Galileo became the first scientist of observe the moons features, particularly the craters and mountains and other planets in our solar system.

3. Sir Isaac Newton invented in 1704 a telescope which used a curved mirror designed to collect the light coming in and bounce it back to a focused point. Called the reflector telescope, it magnifies objects a million times better than an ordinary lens used by Galileo.

4. There are two types of telescopes:

a. The Optical telescopes, which are of two kinds:

i. Galilean refracting telescopes - works under the refractive properties of light. Refracting telescopes are made of lenses.
ii. Newtonian reflecting telescopes - employs light's reflective properties. Reflecting telescopes on the other hand uses are made of lenses and mirrors. These telescopes are more used for astronomical purposes and studies.

b. The Radio telescopes - are sensitive to radio waves given off by radio sources. Radio telescopes are in the form of huge disk antenna.

Whether you are a scientist, an astronomy hobbyist or a kid interested in studying the planets and stars up the heaven, then the telescope is a must intrument to own. From the simple to the complicated telescope equipment, everyone has a particular and unique telescope that fits one's needs.