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The reflector of your telescope's mirror DOES need to be finely polished, with no disturbances bigger than a half-wavelength or so. So for optical telescopes, the mirror must be smooth to nanometers.

But for a radio telescope which measures wavelengths in meters or centimeters, a fine wire mesh will generally do the trick. And since radio telescopes tend to be very large, the finer the mesh the lighter the dish can be - and therefore, more easily rotated and pointed.

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What happens when light strikes a smooth surface?

When light strikes a smooth surface, it gets reflected in a single direction based on the law of reflection. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This phenomenon is what causes us to see our reflection in mirrors.


How does the mineral beryllium reflect light?

Beryllium is a metal that has a high reflectivity for visible light. When light strikes the surface of beryllium, it reflects off the metal's smooth surface, giving it a shiny appearance. This high reflectivity makes beryllium useful in applications where a highly reflective surface is desired, such as in optical systems or mirrors.


Do mirrors reflect or refract light?

Mirrors reflect light. A mirror's smooth surface allows light to bounce off of it in a predictable manner, resulting in a clear reflection of an object. Refraction of light occurs when light passes through a transparent material and changes speed, causing the light to bend.


Is Uranus rough or smooth on the surface?

Saturn's surface has not been proven to be smooth. One of Saturn's moons have been confirmed to be smooth and mirror like though.


Are x-ray telescope mirrors similar to optical telescope mirrors?

The biggest telescopes are reflecting - instead of a main lens, they have a main mirror. Above a certain size, it is no longer feasible, or at least practical, to use lenses.The biggest telescopes are reflecting - instead of a main lens, they have a main mirror. Above a certain size, it is no longer feasible, or at least practical, to use lenses.The biggest telescopes are reflecting - instead of a main lens, they have a main mirror. Above a certain size, it is no longer feasible, or at least practical, to use lenses.The biggest telescopes are reflecting - instead of a main lens, they have a main mirror. Above a certain size, it is no longer feasible, or at least practical, to use lenses.

Related Questions

What smooth reflecting surface?

A mirror is a smooth reflecting surface that bounces light off it in a way that reflects an image from the surroundings. Mirrors are commonly used for personal grooming, interior decoration, and scientific applications such as in telescopes and microscopy.


What is light bouncing back from the surface of a mirror?

Light bouncing back from the surface of a mirror is called reflection. When light hits a mirror, it is reflected off the smooth surface at the same angle it came in, resulting in an image being formed. Mirrors are used in many applications such as telescopes and microscopes because of their reflective properties.


Why do you snort cocaine off mirrors?

Snorting cocaine off mirrors is a common practice among users because mirrors provide a smooth, hard surface for cutting and shaping the drug into lines, making it easier to snort. Additionally, the reflective surface allows users to see the lines clearly for efficient consumption.


What color are mirrors and how do they reflect light?

Mirrors are typically silver in color and reflect light by bouncing it off their smooth surface at the same angle it hits the mirror.


Why does light reflect off of mirrors?

Light reflects off of mirrors because mirrors have a smooth and shiny surface that causes light waves to bounce back in a predictable way, creating a clear reflection.


Why is it important for the mirrors to have smooth surfaces?

Mirrors need to have smooth surfaces to reflect light efficiently and accurately. Any imperfections or roughness on the surface can cause light to scatter or be distorted, resulting in a blurry or distorted reflection. Smooth surfaces help produce clear and sharp images.


Why do smooth surfaces metal surfaces make good mirrors?

Smooth metal surfaces make good mirrors because they have a highly reflective surface that allows light to bounce off them without being absorbed. The smooth surface minimizes scattering of light rays, resulting in a clear reflection. Additionally, metals like silver and aluminum have high reflectivity properties, making them efficient at reflecting light.


Why it is easier to see your reflection on a smooth surface than a rough surface?

because all the crystals in the substance are facing the same direction. they are all little mirrors by themselves


Why does a mirror need glass?

it doesn't. Any smooth, shinny surface will do. BUT the technology of glass mirrors is good, cheap, fast, and durable.


Which is the Metal in reflecting telescope?

Usually aluminum. It is normally deposited as a vapour to get an incredibly smooth surface. In small home-made telescopes, they use silver.


What Reflection from a smooth surface?

When light hits a smooth surface, it reflects in a predictable manner called specular reflection. This type of reflection results in a clear and well-defined image being formed. Examples of smooth surfaces that exhibit specular reflection include mirrors and still water surfaces.


Why does dust stick to mirrors?

Dust sticks to mirrors due to electrostatic forces. When dust particles come in contact with the smooth surface of the mirror, they adhere to the surface because of these forces. Additionally, any moisture or oils on the mirror can also help dust particles stick to it.