Newtonian telescope
- noun
- /njuˈtoʊniən ˈtɛlɪskoʊp/
- Specialized
:
telescopio newtoniano
- Many amateur astronomers prefer a Newtonian telescope because it offers an excellent balance of portability and optical quality.
- an 8-inch Newtonian telescope
- inch Newtonian telescope
Examples
-
Better yet, construct an ultra-portable 6- or 8-inch Newtonian telescope from optics you can purchase at a low price.
Academic text (2002) -
A Newtonian telescope allows stargazers to view celestial objects from a perspective that enhances their brightness and clarity.
-
To observe distant planets, you should consider using a Newtonian telescope with a larger mirror for better light collection.
Synonyms
1
8.3
A telescope that uses a mirror and a side eyepiece to view images
How Complex
- Specialized
- Specialized
- Archaic
- Specialized
1
5.5
- Specialized
1
6.7
5
7.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'Newtonian' (relating to Newton or his design/principles) with 'telescope', so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a particular kind or design of telescope associated with Newton. However, the detailed technical sense (that it is a reflecting telescope with an eyepiece at right angles) is not predictable from the constituents alone, so the transparency is partial.
Etymology
Newtonian telescope is named after the scientist Isaac Newton, who built a simple telescope that used mirrors instead of lenses. Because Newton showed that a mirror design gives clear images, people now call any similar mirror telescope a 'Newtonian'.