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What is a reflector?
Home » Astronomy » Telescopes » What is a reflector?A reflector telescope (often called a newtonian) is one that uses a parabolic mirror at the base of the telescope tube. This mirror is called the primary. The light is gathered and refocused back upwards towards a smaller, secondary mirror, where the eyepiece near the front of the scope then focuses the image.
As a rule, the reflector telescope can offer far more aperture at an affordable price. This makes it a good choice for the budget-minded, serious beginner. Apertures of 150mm offer views so far superior to the small refractor that they are very worth the small difference in price. Beginner reflectors, such as the 114mm, are even less expensive and will provide a lifetime of enjoyment.
The major drawback to this style of telescope is that the exposed mirror surface may need occasional cleaning or a refocusing of its optics in a procedure called collimation. While this might sound a little frightening, if you take care to keep the optics covered when not in use and avoid beating the telescope around, it is rarely necessary and no different than dusting and tuning a beloved guitar.
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