Why are reflecting telescopes favored over refracting telescopes?
Reflecting telescopes, which employ a curved mirror to gather and focus light, are favored over refracting telescopes due to their increased light gathering capacity, resistance to chromatic aberration, and cost-efficient construction. The design also allows for the mirror to be supported from the back, preventing deformation under its own weight.
Explanation:
There are a few reasons why reflecting telescopes are more commonly used than refracting ones in modern astronomical observations. Firstly, these telescopes, first developed by Isaac Newton, solve the problem of chromatic aberration. This issue arises in refracting telescopes where different colors of light refract differently, causing a rainbow coloration and a blurred final image. Reflecting telescopes, which utilize a curved mirror instead of a lens, are not affected by chromatic aberration.
Another advantage of reflector telescopes is their ability to gather more light compared to refracting counterparts, making it easier to observe faint stars. In the construction of refracting telescopes, thicker lenses mean more light being absorbed, lowering the brightness of the observation.
Manufacturing reflecting telescopes is also much more cost-effective. This is because in a refracting telescope, the lens needs to be defect-free and polished on both sides, whereas in a reflecting telescope, just the front surface needs accurate polishing. Furthermore, the mirror in a reflecting telescope can be supported from the back, giving it a stability advantage, particularly in larger constructions.
Why are nearly all recently built astronomical telescopes reflectors instead of refractors? A) Reflectors are cheaper to build B) Refractors suffer from chromatic aberration C) Reflectors can gather more light D) Refractors are easier to maintain Final answer: Reflectors can gather more light The recently built astronomical telescopes are predominantly reflectors instead of refractors because reflectors can gather more light compared to refractors. This increased light gathering capacity allows for easier observation of faint stars and celestial objects, making reflecting telescopes the preferred choice in modern astronomical research and observations.