Refracting telescopes are probably what you think of when someone mentions these instruments. They gather and focus light using curved lenses at either end of the scope, as well as some in between. The refracting telescope is the earliest type of telescope, and was invented in the sixteenth century by Galileo, and used to observe the moons of Jupiter. Because it's the original model, some people consider it the only “true” telescope, and prefer it because of this. Of course, other types of telescopes have their uses, too. Each kind has its own benefits and problems. Here are some of the features of a refracting telescope, and how you might use one.
One advantage of refracting telescopes is that they have no central obstruction. That means that the whole aperture is clear, and better contrast is produced than when using reflecting telescopes. Many refracting telescopes also have more conveniently mounted eyepieces than other designs. There are a few types of reflecting telescopes that can really contort the user if he or she wants to see clearly. Since refracting telescopes are already almost perfectly aligned, they don't need to be frequently readjusted, either. However, these benefits don't come without a few problems.
Refracting telescopes can suffer from what are called optical aberrations – specifically chromatic aberrations. Since lenses bend each color of light a little differently, different colors focus at different points. That can make images look odd if you're looking at a bright object like a planet or moon. There are some high end refracting telescopes that reduce this problem by using a special lens. However, that makes them more expensive. Since refracting telescopes are already pricier for a given aperture size than reflecting models, cost is a concern. A large aperture refracting telescope is likely to cost more than most hobbyists can afford. Since a lot of precision is needed to produce the lenses for these instruments, you probably can't make one at home, either.
Refracting telescopes with an adjustment lens are the best telescope you can use for astronomical observation. However they tend to cost a lot, which means that many hobbyists prefer reflectors. Don't like having to choose between the two? There are also compound telescopes available that offer the best of both worlds. These offer a long focal length and lower cost than a high end refractor. However, they also tend to be large and cumbersome, making them inconvenient for travel.
Telescope Related Article
Telescope Kits Help You Build Your Own
Building your own telescope might seem a little bit intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Using telescope kits, you can build a functional telescope to help you view the night sky. It's not hard – just get the right kit and follow...
