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Glite Dictionary
Newtonian reflector

Newtonian reflector

1 8.3
A telescope that uses a mirror and a side eyepiece to view images
  • noun
  • /njuːˈtoʊniən rɪˈflɛktər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reflector newtoniano
  • I enjoy stargazing through my new Newtonian reflector, which offers a clear view of distant planets.
  • a 6-inch Newtonian reflector
  • an 8-inch Newtonian reflector
  • a 10-inch Newtonian reflector

Examples

  • The BRT is a 46-cm Newtonian reflector, sitting untended in a moor some fifteen kilometers from the university.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The amateur astronomer set up his Newtonian reflector to observe the lunar surface last night.

  • During the astronomy club meeting, members shared tips on how to use a Newtonian reflector effectively.

Synonyms

Newtonian telescope
vsNewtonian reflector
  • Specialized
6.6

A telescope that uses mirrors and has an eyepiece at a right angle to the main tube

has the same meaning but uses the alternate name

Surface Forms

Newtonian reflector singular
Newtonian reflectors plural

Morphology

Newtonian + reflector

The compound combines 'Newtonian' (based on Newton's design) with 'reflector' (a reflecting telescope), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a type of reflecting telescope following Newton's design. The precise technical detail about the eyepiece orientation is specialist knowledge but does not prevent the overall meaning being transparently derived from the constituents.

Etymology

The name Newtonian reflector comes from the scientist Isaac Newton, who built a simple telescope that used a curved mirror to 'reflect' light to an eyepiece at the side. That's why a Newtonian reflector means a telescope that uses mirrors (a reflector) rather than lenses.