Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to gather and focus light, allowing astronomers to observe distant celestial objects. The primary mirror collects light and reflects it to a focal point, where a smaller secondary mirror directs the light to an eyepiece or camera. This design minimizes chromatic aberration, a common issue in refracting telescopes that use lenses.
Invented by Isaac Newton in the 17th century, reflecting telescopes have become essential tools in modern astronomy. They come in various sizes and designs, including the popular Newtonian and Cassegrain types, making them versatile for both amateur and professional astronomers.