The refracting telescope is one of the most common astronomical telescopes in use today. Almost everyone’s idea of a telescope would be that of a refractor, with a long tube and eyepiece and objective lens on the ends.
The refracting telescope is one of the easiest to operate telescopes – just focus it on the distant object of your choice and you will have a clear view of its image.
There is however a telescope that, unlike the refracting telescope, cannot be used for direct viewing of distant objects.
It is the Schmidt telescope or more appropriately called the Schmidt camera, which is actually an instrument mainly for taking pictures or images. The Schmidt telescope is invented in 1930 by Bernhard Schmidt, a well-known optician from Germany.
But like the refractor, the Schmidt telescope is likewise an important instrument as it is reliable for performing astronomical surveys, and for the searches and discoveries of spaces objects such as the comets and asteroids.
One of the most famous Schmidt cameras is the Oschin Schmidt Telescope, which is housed in the Palomar Observatory.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Newtonian Telescope - Sir Isaac's Scope Invention
To date, there are already many types of refracting telescope developed and utilized for astronomical and stargazing purposes. A few of these scopes are named after their inventors. One refractor that has a name of a famous astronomer and scientist assigned to it is the Galileo Telescope, named after the genius Galileo Galilei.
This refracting telescope of Galileo is one of the earliest astronomical telescopes and is considered the model of the modern refractors today. Most of the modern, powerful refractors are patterned after the Galileo Telescope.
The reflecting telescope, likewise has many types, and one of the more known is the Newtonian Telescope. An invention of British astronomer and scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1643 to 1727), this scope has a parabolic main mirror and a flat second mirror.
Isaac Newton was very much knowledgeable with the stargazing and research needs of astronomers; this is why he worked on developing this scope. The Newtonian Telescope, when compared to others, is less expensive yet as powerful as the other quality telescopes.
It also provides a short focal ratio, which means a wider and better field of view can be achieved. With the Newtonian telescopes that possess longer focal length, high quality planet views can be achieved.
This refracting telescope of Galileo is one of the earliest astronomical telescopes and is considered the model of the modern refractors today. Most of the modern, powerful refractors are patterned after the Galileo Telescope.
The reflecting telescope, likewise has many types, and one of the more known is the Newtonian Telescope. An invention of British astronomer and scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1643 to 1727), this scope has a parabolic main mirror and a flat second mirror.
Isaac Newton was very much knowledgeable with the stargazing and research needs of astronomers; this is why he worked on developing this scope. The Newtonian Telescope, when compared to others, is less expensive yet as powerful as the other quality telescopes.
It also provides a short focal ratio, which means a wider and better field of view can be achieved. With the Newtonian telescopes that possess longer focal length, high quality planet views can be achieved.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Jacob Metius' Refracting Telescope
Many consider Galileo Galilei as the father of the refracting telescope. And while Galileo is actually did not invent the refractor; it was actually the invention of Hans Lippershey.
Yet, many tend to credit Galileo Galilei as the inventor of the refracting telescope because he made great improvement on the telescope of Lippershey, and made a much better, and professionally working astronomical telescope. Galileo’s version of his refractor is popularly known as the Galileo telescope.
While some are yet to be convinced on who between Galileo Galilei and Hans Lippershey should be credited as the creator of the refractor, there is another scientist by the name of Jacob Metius who claimed to be the true inventor of the refractor telescope.
Metius was a Dutch optician and lens maker who was said to have invented a lens bearing instrument that can magnify the image of a distant object. He was said to have presented his invention to the government with the intention of applying for a patent.
Still, it showed that his patent application was done weeks after the application of Hans Lippershey’s patent for his telescope.
The government acknowledged Metius’ work although in the end it was Lippershey’s telescope that was utilized by the government in its astronomical endeavors.
Yet, many tend to credit Galileo Galilei as the inventor of the refracting telescope because he made great improvement on the telescope of Lippershey, and made a much better, and professionally working astronomical telescope. Galileo’s version of his refractor is popularly known as the Galileo telescope.
While some are yet to be convinced on who between Galileo Galilei and Hans Lippershey should be credited as the creator of the refractor, there is another scientist by the name of Jacob Metius who claimed to be the true inventor of the refractor telescope.
Metius was a Dutch optician and lens maker who was said to have invented a lens bearing instrument that can magnify the image of a distant object. He was said to have presented his invention to the government with the intention of applying for a patent.
Still, it showed that his patent application was done weeks after the application of Hans Lippershey’s patent for his telescope.
The government acknowledged Metius’ work although in the end it was Lippershey’s telescope that was utilized by the government in its astronomical endeavors.
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