3.1 - Using Technology to See the Visible

Question 1

Who invented optical telescopes? When did he/she invent them?

Answer 1

Optical telescopes were invented in 1608 by Hans Lippershey

Question 2

Who is a prominent figure that used telescopes to make many astronomical discoveries?

Answer 2

Galileo

Question 3

How can optical telescopes aid in seeing distant objects?

Answer 3

Optical telescopes have a series of lenses that gather and focus light from distant objects, enabling us to see them

Question 4

True or false:

The larger the area of the lenses and mirrors, the greater the ability of the telescope to see distant objects

Answer 4

True

Question 5

How does a refracting telescope work?

Answer 5

• A refracting telescope uses 2 lenses to gather and focus light.
• The potential size, is limited

Question 6

How does a reflecting telescope work?

Answer 6

• Uses mirrors to gather and focus light
• At one end is a large concave mirror
• Light enters from one end, reflects off the concave mirror to another mirror, which reflects the light to the eyepiece
• Spincasting can be used to make very large mirrors
• Some use lightweight segments to build one large mirror (called segmented mirror telescopes).

Question 7

What is interferometry?

Answer 7

• Combining more than 1 telescope to improve clarity and see greater distances

Question 8

What type of telescope is the Hubble Space Telescope? How far above Earth does it orbit?

Answer 8

• A reflecting telescope

- Orbits 600 km above Earth

Question 9

Why can the Hubble see objects at great distances

Answer 9

Because there is no interference in space, from clouds, humidity, wind, or pollution