Astronomical Telescope

1 An astronomical telescope is an optical

instrument that is used to view objects at a great
distance, such as planets and stars.
2 An astronomical telescope consists of two convex
lenses. The objective lens whose power is low has a
long focal length, f0. The eyepiece whose power is
high has a short focal length, fe. Therefore, f0 > fe.
3 The distance between the objective lens and the
eyepiece is (f0 + fe) i.e. the principal focus of the
objective lens, F0 is coincident with the principal
focus of the eyepiece, Fe.Both lenses have the same
focal plane.
4 Parallel rays of light from the distant object converge
at the focal plane of the objective lens to form the first
image, I1 which is real, inverted, and diminished.
5 The first image, l1 becomes the object for the
eyepiece.
6 The first image, I1 is at the focal plane of the eyepiece
and hence the final image, l2 is virtual, inverted, and
magnified with respect to the original object.
7 The final image, l2 is formed at infinity.
8 The magnification of the telescope in a normal
adjustment, i.e. with image formed at infinity, is given by:
ASTRONOMICAL TELESCOPE
Focal plane
Light ray from eyepiece
Objective lens
distant object
fo fe

Fe Fe
Fo Fo I1

Final image, I2 is formed at infinity