A telescope is a device used to observe distant objects in the sky, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. It consists of a combination of lenses and/or mirrors that gather and focus light, allowing astronomers to see objects that are too far away or too faint to be seen with the naked eye.
Telescopes can be divided into two main types: refracting telescopes and reflecting telescopes. Refracting telescopes use lenses to focus light, while reflecting telescopes use mirrors. The most common type of reflecting telescope is the Newtonian reflector, which uses a parabolic mirror to reflect light back up to an eyepiece.
Telescopes can also be classified based on their size and capabilities. Large telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory, are able to gather more light and provide higher resolution images than smaller telescopes. Some telescopes are also designed to observe specific wavelengths of light, such as X-rays or radio waves, which can reveal different aspects of the universe.
Telescopes have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe and have helped us discover countless astronomical objects, including exoplanets, black holes, and distant galaxies.
Here are some MCQs on Telescopes:
1. What is a space telescope?
a) A telescope used for viewing objects in space
b) A telescope located in space
c) A telescope used for viewing objects on Earth
d) A telescope that can be launched into space
2. What is the main advantage of space telescopes over ground-based telescopes?
a) They can observe celestial objects more clearly
b) They are less expensive to build
c) They are easier to maintain
d) They do not require as much power to operate
3. What was the first space telescope?
a) Hubble Space Telescope
b) Chandra X-ray Observatory
c) Spitzer Space Telescope
d) Explorer 1
4. What is the name of the space telescope launched in 1990 by NASA?
a) Chandra X-ray Observatory
b) Spitzer Space Telescope
c) Hubble Space Telescope
d) Kepler Space Telescope
5. What is the name of the space telescope launched in 2003 by NASA?
a) Chandra X-ray Observatory
b) Spitzer Space Telescope
c) Hubble Space Telescope
d) Kepler Space Telescope