Telescopes

Astronomy is incomplete with out telescopes. A telescopes is a device which is used to look at the celestial objects and also to observe the deep sky objects. A telescope is used to magnify the objects which are very far away and also to collect more light than our eyes can so that we can see even the fainter objects in the sky. The telescopes are en extension to the human eye which can collect 10 to a trillion times more light than our eyes can depending upon the size of the lens or mirror.

The first telescopes dates back to late 1609 when Galileo Galilei first pointed out a device named “looker”towards the Moon and observed the surface features like mountains and Marias on the surface. His small effort paved way for centuries of evolving and growing technological advancement in the field of astronomy to help us understand who we are and where did we come from.

But to credit the invention of telescopes to Galileo would be unfair because he merely used the device and pointed out towards the sky. The device was actually built Hans Lippershey, a small optical shop owner when he observed the two kinds playing with the lenses and having a good time. He became curious as to what the kids could possibly observe through the combination of lenses and enjoy so much. So he decided to try and found astonishing results that the images appeared bigger but inverted. He thought this would be a great toy for kids and he made a few and sold them in the market.

One of the student of Galileo’s decided to gift him this device as a gratitude towards Galileo’s efforts in teaching him. When Galileo observed through the device, he was also amazed. Using his knowledge of physics, he added another glass in the middle making it longer than before and the new lens added would make the images upright as it was usual. It also added more magnification to the looker making the objects appear even more closer and bigger. One evening while sitting in his home, he looked at the stars and the Moon and decided to point out the device towards the Moon. What he saw that night changed the entire course of cosmology for centuries to come.

Galileo also studied Jupiter only to spot 4 stars changing position with respect to the planet. Later he confirmed that they are no stars but the moons of the planet Jupiter. These moons as we know today are known as Ganymede, Io, Europa and Callisto. They are also known as Galilean moons. He also observed the Sun, other planets and some stars but none the less, he showed the mankind the future of space research.

Today even the amateur telescopes are way bigger and more powerful than the telescope used by Galileo. These telescopes can show us much more than what Galileo could see from his. The telescopes are easily available and there are millions of Youtube videos and softwares and online journals available for one to read and download and also enjoy the skies with the help of experts in your local astronomy clubs.