The two main types of optical telescopes are:
- Refracting Telescopes (Refractors)
- Use lenses to bend (refract) light and form an image.
- The primary component is a large objective lens at the front that gathers and focuses light.
- Reflecting Telescopes (Reflectors)
- Use mirrors to reflect and focus light.
- The main component is a curved primary mirror that collects light and reflects it to a focal point.
Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses, but modern large telescopes are usually reflectors due to better performance at large sizes and less chromatic aberration.