Jump to content

Is a telescope's resolving power simply a function of it's light collecting ability?

mzatanoskas
in Astronomy and Cosmology

Featured Replies

I read that a telescope's three main attributes were:

 

1. it's light collecting power

 

2. it's resolving power

 

3. it's magnification power

 

The magnification power can be changed independently of the light collecting power by using different eyepieces with different focal lengths. But the resolving power is dependent on the diameter of the primary mirror/lens and is basically just a function of the light collecting power, no?

 

So you could better summarise a telescope's attributes as:

 

1. light collecting power (from which resolving power is derived)

 

2. magnification power

 

Just trying to clarify in my head as always.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.