Space optics magnified distant objects and provided clear images to study, and early scientists learned a great deal about the planet, the solar system and other objects surrounding us. Not to mention the improvements made to land and sea navigation. Further refinements have produced microscopes, binoculars, camera lenses, and other common optic devices that are commonly used today.
A larger primary reflector on telescopes means that the image will be better. The primary reflectors on the present optical systems ranges from less than 2 meters to 11 meters. But there is a drawback to any ground based system. Atmospheric distortion can severely limit the effectiveness of any telescope, yet there has been a solution presented for this problem. One answer has been the Hubble Space Telescope.
As technology improves, larger ground based telescopes will be developed, allowing mankind to peer deeper into the depths of space. Additional orbital platforms will be developed, allowing more detailed information to be revealed. Newer optical systems are in the works that can correct for atmospheric distortion.
To think, all this started with a couple pieces of ground glass. Who would have thought?
To read more Telescopes See Stars
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