Telescope

device · 1608 · Early modern era

An optical instrument for observing distant objects (Lipperhey, Galileo).

Inventors: Hans Lippershay, Juan Roget, Zaccarias Janssen, Jacob Metius.

What it is made of

• Lens — has part. An objective and an eyepiece.

Principles and materials it uses

• Glass — is made of. The lenses are glass.
• Brass — is made of. The tube is brass.

Where it is used

• Scientific method — is used in. Galileo: observation as a method.
• Heliocentric system — is used in. Galileo’s confirmations.
• Speed of light — is used in. Observations of Jupiter’s moons.
• Optical telegraph — is used in. Signals were read through a telescope.
• Optical telegraph — is part of. Operators read the neighbouring tower through a telescope.

History: what it evolved from and what it influenced

• Glasses — evolved from. The first telescopes were assembled by spectacle makers.
• Binoculars — evolved into. A double telescope.

What it is a kind of

• Reflecting telescope — includes. A telescope.
• Radio telescope — includes. A telescope for radio waves.
• Space telescope — includes. A space telescope is a telescope above the atmosphere, so air does not blur the view.

Take Telescope apart

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