teleskopa

A teleskopa, commonly known in English as a telescope, is an instrument designed to collect and magnify light or other electromagnetic radiation from distant objects. By gathering more light and increasing angular resolution, it enables observations that are not possible with unaided eyesight.

The earliest practical telescopes appeared in the early 17th century. Hans Lippershey, Zacharias Janssen, and Jacob Metius developed devices in 1608 that used lenses to magnify distant objects. Galileo Galilei refined the design for astronomical use and popularized telescopic observations.

Most telescopes consist of a tube, a light-collecting optic (a lens in refracting telescopes or a primary mirror in reflecting telescopes), a focusing mechanism, and a mounting system. The tube shields stray light, while the eyepiece or detector provides the final magnified image. Modern mounts may be alt-azimuth or equatorial and enable tracking across the sky.

There are several main types. Refracting telescopes use lenses to bend light; reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light, avoiding chromatic aberration and enabling large apertures. Catadioptric designs combine lenses and mirrors for compact, versatile instruments. Each type has advantages and trade-offs in cost, size, and image quality.

Performance depends on aperture (light-gathering power) and resolving ability. Magnification is set by the focal lengths of the objective and eyepiece. Observers benefit from stable mounts, accurate tracking, and optimal observing conditions, including dark skies and minimal atmospheric distortion.

Today, telescopes range from small amateur instruments to large research facilities, including ground-based observatories and space telescopes. Advances in detectors, adaptive optics, and data processing continue to enhance their sensitivity and resolution.