Schmidt Telescope

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.