What is a telescope and how does it work?

A telescope is an optical instrument designed to magnify distant objects by collecting and focusing electromagnetic radiation, primarily visible light, allowing us to see details otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

What are the main types of telescopes?

The main types are refractors (using lenses), reflectors (using mirrors), and catadioptrics (using both lenses and mirrors), each suited for different observational purposes.

What's the difference between optical and radio telescopes?

Optical telescopes detect visible light, while radio telescopes detect radio waves, both part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Radio telescopes can 'see' through cosmic dust and gas, revealing hidden structures.

What can you observe with a backyard telescope?

With a modest backyard telescope, one can observe the Moon's craters, planets like Jupiter and Saturn, brighter nebulae, star clusters, and even some closer galaxies under dark skies.