List of telescope types

Telescopes are special tools that help us see faraway objects in space, like stars and planets. There are many different kinds of telescopes, each with its own way of working.

Some telescopes are placed in space, like space telescopes, which can see even clearer because they are above Earth’s atmosphere. Others are made to study the Sun, called Solar telescopes, and they help scientists learn more about our nearest star, the Sun. Some telescopes, like Dobsonian telescopes, are built to be easy to use and carry around. There are also special telescopes called Aerial telescopes that were created to fix problems with early lenses used hundreds of years ago. All these different types help us explore and understand the universe around us.

List of optical telescope types

Optical telescopes come in three main types: refractor, reflector, and catadioptric. Each type has its own good points and not-so-good points, making them useful for different kinds of work in both professional and amateur astronomy.

List of telescope types working outside the optical spectrum

See also: Electromagnetic spectrum

There are many types of telescopes that look at things beyond normal light. Some of these include:

• Atmospheric Cherenkov telescope used to detect energy waves called gamma rays
• Infrared telescope
• Radio telescope
• Submillimeter telescope
• Ultraviolet telescope (see also Ultraviolet astronomy)
• X-ray telescope (see also X-ray astronomy)
  • Wolter telescope

List of broad spectrum telescopes

This list shows different kinds of telescopes. Telescopes help us see objects in space more clearly.

• Fast Fourier Transform Telescope

List of telescope mounts types

Optical and other types of telescopes need mounts to help point and steady them.

Some common types include the Fixed mount, Transit mount, Zenith mount, and Altazimuth mount. Others are the Alt-alt (altitude-altitude) mount and Equatorial mount, which includes variations like the Equatorial platform, Open fork mount, German equatorial mount, and English mount. There are also specialized mounts such as the Hexapod mount and Infinite-axis telescope.