Telescope Vocabulary

2. the specific point where a telescope's primary mirror or objective lens converges incoming light rays to form a sharp, clear image
4. the total cross-sectional area of a telescope's primary lens, mirror, or electromagnetic radiation receiver
7. the scientific technique of measuring the flux or intensity of light radiated or reflected by celestial objects across specific electromagnetic wavebands
9. an optical instrument that uses a curved primary mirror to gather, reflect, and focus light from distant celestial objects instead of using glass lenses
12. the rapid and random fluctuation in the apparent brightness, color, or position of a distant star or light source
14. a light-sensitive, silicon-based electronic microchip that converts incoming starlight into digital electrical signals to record images of celestial objects
15. an optical telescope that uses a system of lenses to collect and bend light from distant celestial objects to form a magnified image

1. the phenomenon where electromagnetic waves of different frequencies or wavelengths travel at different speeds through a medium, or where an optical instrument spreads light into a spectrum based on wavelength
3. a technique that combines signals from two or more separate telescopes, mirror segments, or antennas to act as a single "virtual" instrument
5. he smallest angle between two close point-like objects
6. the bending of light or other electromagnetic waves from a celestial object as it passes through the Earth's atmosphere
8. a building, structure, or institution equipped with telescopes and specialized instruments designed to systematically observe and study celestial objects, space, and natural phenomena beyond Earth
10. a transparent optical device that bends incoming light rays through refraction to focus or disperse them, or a massive cosmic body that bends light via gravity
11. the smallest photosensitive cell on a digital sensor that captures incoming photons, or the smallest discrete unit of information in a digital astronomical image
13. a scientific instrument used to collect, focus, and detect electromagnetic radiation from distant celestial objects to make them appear larger, brighter, and closer