What are the advantages and disadvantages of a refracting telescope?

Answer 1

Three problems come to mind: 1. Light polution -- harder and harder to find a truly dark place on the Earth's surface, and the atmosphere carries the light, so you can't really fix the problem by repositioning. 2. Atmostphere. The atmosphere absords a LOT of light. 3. Weight of the optics. Large enough mirror optics distort under their own weight. While formulation can get around this to some extent, it presents a difficult problem that doesn't occur in zero G.

Answer 2

Weather can stop you seeing anything (Clouds or rain etc)

Light Pollution- such as street lamps etc can limit what you see.

There are limits to what you can see- for example you may be able to see the moon but you won't be able to see Pluto with them.

Answer 3

They do not have to deal with the optical distortion otherwise cause by our atmosphere. Also most locations of earth could never have a major telescope because of light pollution, not an issue in space. ____________________ Some disadvantages are that they are costly to maintain and to operate.

Answer 4

Orbital optical telescopes are expensive to operate and maintain. It costs a lot to boost big mirrors into low earth orbit. The view above the atmosphere is magnificent, well worth the cost. Also, space based telescopes can be operated 24 hours a day, whereas earth bound telescopes can only be operated half that time (less when the weather is bad).

Answer 5

The disadvantages include; huge set up and maintenance costs, the telescope can be only be used 50% of the time usually (since the earth will be in the way of whatever is being observed) and availability.

Answer 6

Advantages of a Refractor Telescope

• Virtually maintenance free due to their close optical tube design
• No telescope mirror to adjust (no collimation needed)
• One of the most rugged and long-lasting telescope designs
• Good choice for children / people sitting down because the eyepiece is located at the bottom of the tube, therefore easier to see through for smaller people
• Great as a daytime telescope also for birding and other hobbies vs other telescopes
• Generally lighter and smaller optical tube assembly (OTA) per inch of aperture

Disadvantages of a Refractor Telescope

• most expensive per inch of aperture than other telescopes
• price of refractors escalates highly after 3 inches
• affordable apochromatic refractors are very small aperture which will be outgrown by many astronomers over time

Answer 7

chromatic aberration and less diameter for your dollar

Answer 8

Reflecting telescopes can be more delicate and sensitive to movement or vibration.

Answer 9

-Difficult to focus

-Can give colour distorations around the edges of observed objects because the lenses do not bring all the light to same focus

Answer 10

they absorb easier and they cannot be viewed everywhere