Dobsonian
1
8.8
- noun
- /ˈdōb-sə-nē-ən/
- Specialized
- PHOTO (COLOR): The author's 12.5-inch Dobsonian telescope, a good instrument but one subject to the atmospheric effects of city life.
- Dobsonian telescope
- inch Dobsonian
Examples
-
If I happen to spy clear skies on a winter's weeknight, I simply bundle up, roll the Dobsonian beast on a carpeted wheely cart to the elevator, and zip to the roof.
Academic text (2004) -
The site boasts a 17.5-inch Dobsonian telescope.
Academic text (2002) -
I would probably never find the Cat's Eye without a skyglow filter on my 12.5-inch Dobsonian telescope, because its hefty mirror gathers so much light, I can afford to have my filter block some of it.
Academic text (2004) -
The amateur astronomer proudly set up his new Dobsonian telescope in the backyard to observe the stars.
-
After building his own Dobsonian, he was thrilled with how easy it was to use during the stargazing event.
-
At the astronomy club, many members prefer Dobsonians for their portability and simplicity in design.
Synonyms
1
5.5
A telescope that uses a large curved mirror to gather and focus light for looking
1
5.7
An instrument for looking at distant stars, planets, and galaxies
1
7.0
A telescope that uses a large curved mirror to make distant objects look closer
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word Dobsonian is named after the stargazer Dobson and the ending -ian meaning 'related to', so it names a simple, portable telescope or its mount. Because John Dobson built cheap, easy-to-make designs for watching the stars, a Dobsonian is known for being easy to build and use.