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A reflecting telescope is much easier to build than a refracting telescope and consequently is much less expensive. A reflecting telescope uses a concave mirror to collect and concentrate starlight and send it to your eye, whereas a refracting telescope uses a series of lenses to do the same thing. Optical quality lenses are much more expensive (and heavier) than a well-made mirror. For a given amount of money, much larger reflecting telescope can be built than a refracting. For very large telescopes, the lenses needed would be enormous and next to impossible to make optically perfect. Consequently, most telescopes are reflecting.

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Most modern telescopes are reflecting telescopes because reflecting telescopes are generally more cost-effective and easier to build at larger sizes compared to refracting telescopes. Reflecting telescopes also suffer less from chromatic aberration and can have a simpler design with fewer optical elements.

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Reflecting telescopes are popular because they are easier to build than refracting telescopes.

They are more durable than a refracting telescope.

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10y ago
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Q: Why are most modern telescopes reflecting telescopes?
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What are reflecting and refracting telescopes designed for?

Light is found by reflecting telescopes and refracting telescopes are used to dected sound


How are reflecting and refracting telescopes different?

Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light, while refracting telescopes use lenses. Reflecting telescopes typically have a closed tube design which protects the mirrors from dust and other contaminants, while refracting telescopes are more prone to chromatic aberration. Reflecting telescopes are generally easier to manufacture at larger sizes compared to refracting telescopes.


Compare reflecting and refracting telescopes?

Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light, while refracting telescopes use lenses. Reflecting telescopes are typically less affected by chromatic aberration, while refracting telescopes can be more prone to this issue. Reflecting telescopes are generally more cost-effective for larger apertures.


Reflecting telescopes differ from refracting telescopes in having?

Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to gather and focus light, while refracting telescopes use lenses. Reflecting telescopes tend to be more compact and easier to support larger apertures, making them popular for professional astronomical research. Additionally, reflecting telescopes are less affected by chromatic aberration compared to refracting telescopes.


Is refracting telescopes bigger then reflecting telescopes?

Not necessarily. Refracting telescopes can be large, but reflecting telescopes can also be quite large and often have larger apertures due to their design. The size of a telescope depends on its purpose and design specifications rather than whether it is refracting or reflecting.