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Why do astronomers use reflecting telescopes?

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Because we are far past the point where larger refractors - telescopes using lenses instead of mirrors - can be made. The biggest refractor on earth is the 40-inch at Yerkes Observatory in southern Wisconsin. read more

There are a few reasons why reflecting (mirror) telescopes are superior to refracting (lens) telescopes: It is easier and cheaper to produce a large mirror than a large lens. Mirrors can be arbitrarily thin, whereas a lens must be a minimum thickness to bend light appropriately. read more

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Why do astronomers use telescopes?
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