|
Refractors
|
Reflectors
|
 |
 |
| Contain a primary lens and
an eyepiece lens |
Contain a primary mirror, usually a secondary mirror, and an eyepiece lens |
| The primary lens of a refracting telescope collects and concentrates light from distant objects |
The primary mirror of a reflecting telescope collects and concentrates light from distant objects |
| The image is formed through the process of refraction, the bending of light as it passes from one substance to another |
The image is formed through the process of reflection, light changing direction as a result of “bouncing off” a surface like a mirror |
| Parallel light rays are collected and refracted by the primary lens |
Parallel light rays are collected and reflected by the primary mirror |
| There is one basic design |
Have many designs, depending on the position and function of the secondary mirror |
| Chromatic aberration occurs in refraction because a lens bends different colors of light by different amounts |
Chromatic aberration does not occur; all colors of light reflect in the same way |
| Spherical aberration occurs when using lenses shaped like a sphere |
Spherical aberration occurs when using a mirror shaped like a sphere |
Capture the cosmos > History of science > Graphic Organizer: Refractors and reflectors