Telescope

A telescope is considered to be one of the most significant investigative tools used in astronomy. A telescope is used to provide collective and analytical data of radiation from celestial bodies, even those located at the far ends of the universe. It is interesting to know who invented the telescope? Although the answer lies with Galileo’s revolutionary application of the telescope, made in the 17th century. However, the credit goes to Hans Lippershey, who was a Dutch lens maker who invented the telescope in 1609. It is to be believed that the first-ever telescope was invented in the Netherlands in 1608.

Uses of Telescope

There are two main functions of a telescope:

1.   Light collection and Resolution

One of the most peculiar features of an optical telescope is the capacity to gather light. This capacity works on the functioning of the diameter giving a clear objective, which is known as the aperture of a telescope. The value of comparison between various aperture sizes can be calculated by taking out the ratio of their squared diameters.

2.   Resolution of Power

Another significant feature of a telescope is to get the resolution of power. This resolving power is calculated by: resolving power taken as 11.25 sec of arc divided by d; where d is known as the diameter of expressed objective taken in cm. This is calculated between two points whose angular distance of separation is lesser than the smallest angle concerning an observer’s viewpoint.

Types of Telescope with Uses of Telescope

Another question is about the various kinds of telescope, as they solve various purposes. Some of them are:

1. Refracting Telescope

Refracting telescopes are also referred to as refractors that are used to analyse and examine the Moon, and other bodies of the solar system, such as Mars, Jupiter, and other stars. The name is derived from ‘refraction’, which is known as the bending of light passing through one medium to another of a different density. For example: Air to glass.

2. Reflecting Telescope

Reflecting Telescopes, also known as ‘reflectors’, are used to examine the regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, they also explore short and long wavelengths of adjacent regions such as infrared and ultraviolet. Reflectors are derived from the concept of primary mirrors reflecting light to a focus point instead of refraction.

3. Solar Telescope

For visualising solar prominence or sunspots, also referred to as solar features, a reflector or a refractor is generally used. Special solar telescopes have been formed to do the investigations involving the Sun, which require subordinate instruments, such as coronagraphs and spectroheliographs. 

4. Astrolabes

One of the special types of telescope is known as astrolabes. It is also referred to as the modern version of a telescope. Another name is prismatic astrolabe, which is used to make the precise positioning of planets and stars. It is also used to determine the longitude and latitude of the viewer, taking into consideration that the position of stars is accurate. 

5. Earth-orbiting Telescope

Astronomers consistently seek new technological advancements to build larger telescopes in ground-based apparatus. However, it is evident that some of the scientific obstacles can be solved as an observational practice above from the Earth’s atmosphere. One example is OAO, which stands for Orbiting Astronomical Observatories, also known as Copernicus, was launched by NASA in 1972.

6. Multimirror Telescope

Multimirror telescopes are crucial as they significantly increase the light-capturing power, while keeping the prices in check and in decent range. Thus, multimirror telescopes are necessary to explore new ways of non-traditional and economical telescope designs. The main reason to build large-sized telescopic apparatus is to capture more power, so that they can view deeper into the space/ universe.

7.   Schmidt Telescope

Schmidt Telescope is named after Bernhard Schmidt, an optician who worked at the Hamburg Observatory in Bergedorf, Germany. In 1930, he formulated a catadioptric telescope that fulfilled the requirements of capturing or photographing larger celestial spaces. For some astronomical procedures, It is a mandatory step to photograph larger areas of the sky.

Conclusion

The telescope is one of the most significant inventions known to have happened in the world of astronomy. Initially, in the formative years, telescopes focused heavily on visible light by the process of refraction through the use of lenses. Later, instruments were used to receive a reflection from curved mirrors. The credit for the geniuses behind the invention goes to Hans Lippershey, along with Galileo’s multiple applications, to study the celestial objects. From radio telescopes made to detect and make images from radio waves produced by celestial bodies to recent telescopes designed to witness objects in parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes have been truly revolutionary.