Science glossary film: Telescope

An optical device that uses lenses or mirrors to magnify and observe distant objects. The refracting telescope, with two simple lenses, was the first to be invented. Reflecting telescopes, built using mirrors, can be made much larger and allow us to view dimmer objects.

The refracting telescope, with two simple lenses, was the first to be invented. Reflecting telescopes, built using mirrors, can be made much larger and allow us to view dimmer objects.