Download Tools of Astronomy

Tools of Astronomy
Telescopes

Most collect and focus light.

Two types1. optical
2. radio
1. Optical Telescopes
Collect light
 Uses mirrors and lenses to make
objects appear larger and brighter.

2 Types of Optical
Telescopes
Refracting Telescope

Convex lenses gather
light and focus it in a
small area.

Used by Galileo in
1609.
Reflecting Telescope

Light enters the
end and reflects on
mirrors.

Make observations
through eyepiece.

Used by Isaac
Newton 1668
Observatories

Large buildings that store large optical
telescopes
2. Radio Telescopes

Receives radio waves from objects in space.

Can be used in all weather and at all times of
day
Satellites
orbit around Earth
 collect information while in space
 Not affected by Earth’s atmosphere

Space Probes
Travel out of Earth’s orbit to collect info
 instruments are based on the goals of the
“mission”

Spectroscopes
separates light of stars into bands of color.
 scientists can guess the gases/elements of
the star.

Reading Assignment
With your tablemate or alone,
read pages 94-100 J in
the pink book.