The Differences Between Reflecting And
Refracting Telescopes
While to the casual observer telescopes might all seem to be
alike, those in the know realize that there are big differences
between reflecting and refracting telescopes. Differences that
were immediately apparent when the reflecting telescope was
first conceived. It doesn’t matter if it’s a homemade
reflecting telescope or the largest reflecting telescope.
The differences will be apparent in the degree of clarity and
image quality in the two very different telescopes. While each
type of telescope has its advantages there is no one telescope
that is perfect, each type will allow you to see different things.
Optical Construction
The immediate difference between the two types of telescopes
is the optical construction of reflecting and refracting telescopes.
The names of the telescopes themselves give you a clue as to
how these telescopes are constructed.
A reflecting telescope is made up of a series of mirrors that
reflects light rays. Reflecting telescopes can be used to view
brighter planets and stars in astronomy. A refracting telescope
on he other hand is made up of lenses that refract light rays.
The best way to see a wide variety of astronomical sights is
to have both reflecting and refracting telescopes. Having both
reflecting and refracting telescopes on hand will allow you
to see more stars and planets.
Choosing A Refractor
You may decide after considering reflecting and refracting
telescopes that the best option for you is a refracting telescope.
Choosing this type of telescope will allow you to do daytime
viewing. Fitting your refracting telescope with an image rectifier
will give you better daytime viewing.
Another plus of using a refracting telescope is that you will
be able to see the stars and planets in greater details. A refracting
telescope also allows you to see things in greater contrast
and you will see higher emissions of light through this kind
of telescope. This is a great telescope to start with as will
allow you to easily identify familiar stars a it is a brighter
telescope than a reflecting telescope.
If on the other hand you decide that between reflecting and
refracting telescopes you would prefer a reflecting telescope
then this also has other advantages. A reflecting telescope
will allow you to see galaxies and nebulae and other lower light
objects. If you would like to start astronomical photography
then choosing a reflecting telescope is probably the best option.
It really depends on what you would like to use your telescope
for.
