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PIP’S STARHAVEN · FIELD NOTES · CHILDREN

Telescopes: collecting more light

Telescopes collect light from distant objects. A large mirror or lens gathers more light than your eye can.

Scientists use different telescopes to study different kinds of light. Some observatories work in space, above Earth’s atmosphere.

Wonder about this

Is the telescope with the biggest advertised magnification always best?

A science clue

No. Light collection, resolution, stability, and suitable conditions matter.