Herschelian telescope
- noun
- /ˈhɜrʃəliən tɛlɪˌskoʊp/
- Archaic
:
telescopio herscheliano
- William Herschel built a massive Herschelian telescope to observe new stars and nebulae in the 18th century.
Examples
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Unlike modern reflectors, the Herschelian telescope uses a tilted mirror to send the image to the side.
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The Herschelian telescope offers a unique viewing experience.
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The Herschelian telescope was an innovative design that allowed astronomers to view celestial objects without a secondary mirror.
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Many astronomers prefer using a Herschelian telescope for its design.
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The scientist used a Herschelian telescope to observe distant galaxies due to its unique design.
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With its slightly tilted mirror, the Herschelian telescope provided a clear view of the lunar surface.
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Amateur astronomers often appreciate the Herschelian telescope for its simple construction and effective performance.
Synonyms
A telescope with a tilted main mirror that sends the image to the side to avoid mirror blocking light
How Complex
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Archaic
- Specialized
1
5.5
- Specialized
1
6.7
5
7.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
Herschelian + telescope
The form combines an eponymous adjective (Herschelian — relating to Herschel) with 'telescope', so a learner who knows both constituents will understand it denotes a type of telescope associated with Herschel. The precise technical property described (a slightly tilted mirror directing the image to the side and eliminating a secondary mirror) is specialist information that cannot be derived from the constituents, making the expression only partially predictable.
Etymology
Herschelian telescope is named after the astronomer William Herschel, who used a large, slightly tilted mirror in his design. By tilting the mirror he sent the image to the side so he could look without a 'secondary mirror', so the name now means a reflecting telescope with the mirror angled to one side.