The Maksutov telescope is a type of catadioptric telescope that combines lenses and mirrors to form images. It features a spherical primary mirror and a corrector lens at the front, which helps to reduce optical aberrations. This design allows for a compact and portable telescope, making it popular among amateur astronomers. Originally developed by the Russian astronomer Dmitri Maksutov in the 1940s, the Maksutov telescope is known for its excellent image quality and versatility. It is suitable for both planetary and deep-sky observations, making it a favored choice for those interested in exploring the night sky.