A telescope is an optical instrument that gathers and magnifies light to observe distant objects, primarily in the field of astronomy. By using lenses or mirrors, telescopes allow us to see celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and galaxies, providing invaluable insights into the universe's structure and behavior.
There are various types of telescopes, including refractors, which use lenses, and reflectors, which use mirrors. Telescopes have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space, leading to significant discoveries like the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn.