Everything about the telescope
Chapter 1
The birth of looking closer
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Chapter 2
Bending and bouncing light
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Chapter 3
Beyond the visible rainbow
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Chapter 4
Leaving Earth behind
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Chapter 5
The global eyes of tomorrow
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YOUR GOAL
Master of Everything about the telescope
Ch 2 · Bending and bouncing light
Fun Fact
Twinkling stars: Stars only twinkle because their light is bent by Earth's moving atmosphere; from outer space, stars shine with a steady, unmoving glow.
Glossary
reflection (noun)
The return of light or sound waves from a surface. Isaac Newton utilized this process in 1668 to build the first telescope using a curved mirror.
The return of light or sound waves from a surface. Isaac Newton utilized this process in 1668 to build the first telescope using a curved mirror.
Quiz
What is the scientific term for the bending of light as it passes from air into glass?
Quiz
If you double the diameter of a telescope's aperture, how much does its light-gathering area increase?
Quiz
What technology uses flexible mirrors to correct atmospheric blurring in real-time?
Quiz
Why are reflecting telescopes preferred over refracting telescopes for very large designs?