Question about reflecting telescope design.

In summary, when discussing refracting telescopes, it is important to consider the issue of reflection at the transitions between air and glass. This can impact the accuracy of the image produced by the telescope. To minimize this effect, telescope makers use non-reflective coatings and design techniques such as oil spacing to reduce the number of glass/air interfaces. Further information can be found in the provided Wikipedia article.
  • #1
mrspeedybob
869
65
Error in title. I meant refracting.

At every transition between air and glass it seems to me like there would be some reflection. Each photon it seems would have a certain probability of entering a lens and reflecting off of both of the lenses interior surfaces and then continuing on into the instrument. These reflected photons are not going to end up in the right place when contributing to the image.

Is this reflected light a significant design consideration for refracting telescopes? If so, what is done to minimize it's impact?
 
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  • #3
Designers also use designs that minimize the number of glass/air interfaces. Oil spaced designs minimize those reflections.
 

FAQ: Question about reflecting telescope design.

How does a reflecting telescope work?

A reflecting telescope uses a concave mirror to collect and focus light from distant objects. The light then reflects off the mirror and passes through a small opening, called the eyepiece, where it can be viewed.

What is the difference between a reflecting and a refracting telescope?

The main difference between a reflecting and a refracting telescope is the way they collect and focus light. Reflecting telescopes use mirrors while refracting telescopes use lenses. Reflecting telescopes also tend to be shorter and more compact compared to refracting telescopes.

What are the advantages of using a reflecting telescope?

One advantage of using a reflecting telescope is that it eliminates chromatic aberration, which is the distortion of colors in an image. Reflecting telescopes also tend to have larger apertures, allowing for better light-gathering capability and higher resolution images.

How is the image formed in a reflecting telescope?

The image in a reflecting telescope is formed when light from a distant object reflects off the concave mirror and is focused onto the eyepiece. The eyepiece then magnifies the image for viewing.

What are some common designs for reflecting telescopes?

Some common designs for reflecting telescopes include the Newtonian, Cassegrain, and Ritchey-Chrétien designs. Each design uses a different arrangement of mirrors to collect and focus light. The choice of design depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.

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