How does a telescope work?
You might have used a telescope at a park or somewhere high-up to see distant figures and places, but do you know how telescopes actually work?
When you point a telescope at something, you are allowing the tool to take in light. Light moves in a wave-like pattern, constantly moving through space, and moving through the telescope. But when the object that you are trying to see is so far away, it is difficult to actually see the light it's giving off. So the telescope has a special lens, which refracts and adjusts the light waves to make it more streamlined. This basically means that the lens is condensing the waves to make a clearer, more narrow image. At a certain point the light focuses, before enlarging out again, since it has been bent to the greatest extent it can be by the first lens. Finally, the light waves expand outward a little more before passing through a second lens, which makes the image perfectly clear for the viewer.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Mirrors can also be used in telescopes since they are less heavy and easier to maneuver. The light passes through the telescope, hitting the first curved mirror, which acts in the same manner as the first glass lens, condensing the light. Then the light hits a second mirror, which reflects towards a glass lens for the viewer.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Takeaways
Telescopes have greatly altered our understanding of the universe. Introduced to the field of astronomy by Galielo in the 17th century, telescopes helped us locate ourselves in the solar system, placing the sun at the center. They allowed us to see other planets, blackholes, moons, stars, and more, altering humanity’s perspective forever.
If you are interested in learning more about telescopes and astronomy, check out the resources below:
https://www.britannica.com/science/optical-telescope
