What is the primary purpose of an astronomical telescope?
A) To magnify and make distant objects appear closer.
B) To separate light into its component colors.
C) To measure the intensity of light very accurately.
D) To access wavelengths that we cannot see visually.
E) To collect a lot of light and bring it to a focus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of an astronomical telescope is to collect and bring a lot of light to a focus, which allows astronomers to study and observe distant objects in the universe. Magnification and separating light into its component colors are important secondary functions, but the primary function is light collection. Measuring the intensity of light accurately and accessing wavelengths that we cannot see visually are also important, but they are not the primary function of a telescope.

What Is the Primary Purpose of an Astronomical Telescope