The reflector telescope is unique among telescopes because of its reflective design. Instead of using lenses to refract or bend light to form images, it uses a combination of curved surfaces and flat mirrors to reflect light for imaging.
Modern astronomical telescopes are typically reflector telescopes. Gregorian telescopes, Newtonian telescopes, and Cassegrain telescopes are all variations on the basic design. Here we’ll take a closer look at these three types of telescopes, and then go on to look at a reflector telescope produced with modern materials: the silicon carbide reflector telescope.
Three Types of Telescopes: A Closer Look
Telescopes can be broadly categorized into three main types, each with distinct optical principles and ideal use cases:
Newtonian Reflector Telescope
The original Newtonian reflector telescope was designed by Isaac Newton in 1668. This type of telescope is based on a primary mirror (parabolic surface) and a plane secondary mirror, and the light path is deflected to the side of the lens barrel. To read the entire article, visit Avantier
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