A radio telescope is a large instrument used to detect radio waves emitted by celestial objects in space. Unlike optical telescopes that observe visible light, radio telescopes capture radio frequencies, allowing scientists to study phenomena such as pulsars, quasars, and cosmic microwave background radiation. They typically consist of a large dish that collects radio waves and a receiver that converts these signals into data for analysis. These telescopes can be found in various locations around the world, often in remote areas to minimize interference from man-made radio signals. Notable examples include the Arecibo Observatory and the Very Large Array. By analyzing the data collected, astronomers can gain insights into the structure and behavior of the universe.