Definition

Noun: An optical telescope that uses a single large concave mirror as its primary element to gather and focus light, producing an image that is then magnified for viewing through an eyepiece. This design contrasts with refracting telescopes, which use lenses.

Usage

The term "reflecting telescope" is used to specify the type of telescope based on its optical design. It is a technical term common in astronomy, optics, and physics. * The university's observatory houses a large reflecting telescope. * For deep-sky observation, many amateur astronomers prefer a reflecting telescope over a refractor.

Examples

• Newton's design for a reflecting telescope solved the problem of chromatic aberration found in early lens-based telescopes.
• The Hubble Space Telescope is a famous reflecting telescope orbiting Earth.
• Her first reflecting telescope had a six-inch primary mirror.

Advanced Usage

• Reflector: This is a common shortened, informal synonym for "reflecting telescope."
  • I just bought a new 8-inch reflector for my backyard.

Variants and Related Words

• Reflector (n.): A common abbreviated term for a reflecting telescope.
• Newtonian telescope (n.): A specific, very common type of reflecting telescope designed by Isaac Newton, using a parabolic primary mirror and a flat secondary mirror to direct light to the side of the tube.
• Cassegrain telescope (n.): Another major type of reflecting telescope where light reflects off a primary mirror to a secondary mirror, which then reflects it back through a hole in the primary.
• Primary mirror (n.): The main light-gathering concave mirror in a reflecting telescope.

Synonyms

• Reflector
• Mirror telescope

Antonyms

• Refracting telescope (n.): An optical telescope that uses a lens as its primary element to form an image.

Noun

1. optical telescope consisting of a large concave mirror that produces an image that is magnified by the eyepiece
   • Isaac Newton invented the reflecting telescope in 1668