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Quiz about Practical Astronomical Telescope Info

Practical Astronomical Telescope Info. Quiz

Think you know telescopes, binoculars, or other optical astronomy intruments? Take this quiz & measure your knowledge of things that are dubbed "Windows into Space".

A multiple-choice quiz by Aeryk01. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
Aeryk01

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
199,389

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
514

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. What is the industry standard for optical wavefront error in a telescope's optics, usually described as "Diffraction Limited"? Hint

1/8 wavefront error

1/4 wavefront error

1/2 wavefront error

1/6 wavefront error

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which of these terms does NOT fit in the list below: Hint

German-Equatorial

Cassegrain

Alt-Az

Dobsonian

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Question 3 of 10

3. A telescope which uses lenses (not mirrors) and has no obstruction within the optical path is called a Hint

Reflector

Dobsonian

SCT

Refractor

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Question 4 of 10

4. The given aperture of binocular objective lenses is often measured in what unit of measurement? Hint

Millimeters

Inches

Centimeters

Micrometers

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Question 5 of 10

5. To calculate the power of a given eyepiece, you must take the focal length of the telescope & divide it by the focal length of the eyepiece lense. ie- Power = fl / eyepiece fl

True

False

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Question 6 of 10

6. One major difference between a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Ritchey-Chretien telescope is that the Schmidt-Cass uses a corrector lense in its optical system.

True

False

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Question 7 of 10

7. The correct term used to describe the distance between an eyepiece and the focus point of the human eye is called Hint

Ocular distance

Pupillary diameter

Exit pupil

Eye Relief

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Question 8 of 10

8. What type of non-folded telescope utilizes a mirror system with NO central obstruction in the optical path? Hint

Folded Newtonian

Off-Axis Newtonian

Newtonian

Dobsonian

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Question 9 of 10

9. Chromatic aberration is most commonly found in what type of telescope? Hint

ED Refractor

Apochromatic Refractor

Achromatic refractor

Folded Refractor

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Question 10 of 10

10. The "Pillars of Creation" is a famous photograph of the Eagle Nebula taken using what telescope? Hint

Lick Observatory Telescope

Chandra X-Ray

The Hubble Space Telescope

Telescope at Kitt Peak

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is the industry standard for optical wavefront error in a telescope's optics, usually described as "Diffraction Limited"?

Answer: 1/4 wavefront error

Wavefront error is a critical number given to optics in a telescope which gives the user an idea of just how good the optics really are. The higher the number (1/20 wave), the better the optics. 1/4 wave is considered standard among major manufacturers who often describe their equipment as diffration limited.

2. Which of these terms does NOT fit in the list below:

Answer: Cassegrain

German-Equatorial, Alt-Az, and Dobsonian are all types of astronomical telescope mounts. A Cassegrain refers to a specific type of telescope.

3. A telescope which uses lenses (not mirrors) and has no obstruction within the optical path is called a

Answer: Refractor

The refractor telescope is the most common type of telescope. Many people can get these relatively cheaply in department stores. They are a common starting point for the beginning astronomer.

4. The given aperture of binocular objective lenses is often measured in what unit of measurement?

Answer: Millimeters

Almost every set of binoculars is measured in millimeters. ie- 10x50 -the "50" being 50mm lenses.

5. To calculate the power of a given eyepiece, you must take the focal length of the telescope & divide it by the focal length of the eyepiece lense. ie- Power = fl / eyepiece fl

Answer: True

This is the standard formula for figuring out what power one is using to view a given object. For instance, if you have a scope with a focal length of 1250mm and your using a 25mm eyepiece, you're viewing the object at 50 power or 50 times magnification.

6. One major difference between a Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and a Ritchey-Chretien telescope is that the Schmidt-Cass uses a corrector lense in its optical system.

Answer: True

Although similar, these 2 scopes vary in degree due to their uses. An RC scope is primarily a fast scope used for photography where a SCT is used for both visual & photography work and has a longer focal length.

7. The correct term used to describe the distance between an eyepiece and the focus point of the human eye is called

Answer: Eye Relief

Eye relief is an important factor when considering how much distance is needed for ones eye(s) to be from the eyepiece lens to achieve focus. It is especially important for eyeglass wearers.

8. What type of non-folded telescope utilizes a mirror system with NO central obstruction in the optical path?

Answer: Off-Axis Newtonian

Although difficult to make, an off-axis Newtonian is considered to rival many high-end refractor telescopes due to the light-gathering ability of the mirror with no central obstruction. This gives a sharper, more contrasty view of the object in the eyepiece.

9. Chromatic aberration is most commonly found in what type of telescope?

Answer: Achromatic refractor

The achromatic refractor is subject to chromatic aberration (false color) due to the objective lenses not bringing the light in the optical path to the same point of focus. This is often corrected in more expensive apochromats or telesopes using high end glass, such as ED (extra-low dispersion) or fluorite as the main objective elements.

10. The "Pillars of Creation" is a famous photograph of the Eagle Nebula taken using what telescope?

Answer: The Hubble Space Telescope

This photo is seen everywhere in astronomy today. The Hubble took the long exposure photo unaware of the results it would achieve. It is now a world renowned piece of history.

Source: Author Aeryk01

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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