What advantages does a radio telescope have over an optical telescope?

Answer 1

Quasars and some pulsars are dim in the visible light range. In the radio spectrum, however, they're extremely bright, and as such observing them in telescopes that observe these wavelengths is more beneficial.

Answer 2

They function on entirely different principles. it is like asking what advantages does a parabolic sound detector ( a common spy device that looks like, but is not radar oriented) have over a pair of binoculars. one records sound or radio wavelengths, the other visual images. They have totally different applications one has a telescope operator as an observer, visually observing targets but the radio-telescope operator is merely a monitor. the analogy with radar is good as they are a derivative of Radio Direction and Ranging, hence RADAR,

Answer 3

They both work on the same principles. However . . .

The "gain" (light-gathering power, signal-gathering power) of any collector

depends on its size ... measured in wavelengths of the signal it's trying to

collect.

Just for an example . . .

The wavelength of the hydrogen spin transition that's often observed by radio

telescopes (1,420 MHz) is roughly 352 thousand times the wavelength of

yellow light (600 nm) that's often observed by opticaltelescopes.

And that's why you need a bigger collector for radio waves.

They are in effect special purpose Radar devices and work on different principles than optical telescopes. they are essentially specialized Radar devices some steerable(like marine radars) others are fixed focus.

An intersting fact is the British Joddrell Bank facility uses parts of an old Battleship turret for the movable portion"s foundations and bearings. a good use of war surplus.

Answer 4

Optical telescopes have a limited range in terms of observing visible electro-magnetical radiation, they are limited by the optical range of the human eye and cameras that are used to capture that light that is emitted by the objects in the sky. Optical telescopes are affected by light pollution, smog, clouds. Radio telescopes can "see" other electro-magnetic radiation which is not visible by the human eye, and as such it can reveal more information about a object in the sky then through an optical telescope.

Answer 5

Radio telescopes can measure a different part of the frequency spectrum than optical telescopes.

Answer 6

Because radio wavelengths are much longer than optical wavelengths.

Answer 7

because radio waves travel much further than an eye and a optical telescope can see.