

This makes them useful for astrophotography, especially when you want to take pictures of celestial objects on really dark nights. Reflector telescopes have a large mirror to enable a larger amount of light to be collected.Let’s look at some pros and cons of reflector telescopes. This mirror has a parabolic or concave spherical shape and when it reflects the light it inverts the image. Reflector telescopes get their name because of how their main mirror reflects light back to a focus instead of refracting it, as Britannica reports. Reflector telescopes are usually called Newtonian reflectors, but you can find other types, such as the Cassegrain and Gregorian reflectors. This, then, points the light into the telescope’s eyepiece so that the image can be magnified. This is a telescope that uses concave mirrors to enable light to travel down the tube where it becomes reflected up to another mirror that’s closer to the top of the tube. What would be the difference in your movement? What Is A Reflector Telescope?

The term refraction of light refers to the change in direction and speed of light when it passes from one medium and into another.Įxample of Refraction – Consider attempting to walk across air, water, and quicksand. When light strikes a mirror, it turns into another direction called reflection.Įxample of Reflection – When you see your own face in the mirror. 7.2 What should you look for when purchasing a telescope?īut first, what is the difference between reflection and refraction?.7.1 Can you use your telescope during the day?.3 What’s The Difference Between The Different Types Of Reflector Telescopes?.2.2 You can learn more about CHROMATIC ABERRATION in this excellent video :.1 But first, what is the difference between reflection and refraction?.If you’d like to see a graphical breakdown of the telescope type comparison, we got you covered: Here’s your ultimate guide to both types of telescopes so you can find the best one for you. That said, there are lots of other important things you should know about refractor vs reflector telescopes. The downside to a refractor telescope is that you need to use a lens to focus the light and make the image visible. It is typically shorter and smaller than the reflector, which makes it easier to carry around. Which is better? A refractor telescope is better because it has a broader field of view. That’s really the biggest difference between the two telescopes.

Reflector telescopes are made up of mirrors, while refractor telescopes have lenses. What’s the main difference between a refractor and reflector telescope? One big decision you’ll need to make is if you should purchase a refractor or reflector telescope. When you’re in the market for a telescope to better view the night sky, you’ll need to figure out what type you should purchase.
