Is a Dobsonian Telescope basically just a reflector telescope with a different base, or is there something else that sets it apart from reflectors?
2007-03-14 16:54:58 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It's a reflector. The only difference is the mount, which is alt/az as opposed to equitorial/Newtonian. So it can't track objects, but it IS easier to carry around and essemble, so if you don't mind repointing every minute or so, you can get a bigger diameter mirror for the same price and have it easier to carry.
2007-03-14 17:00:24 · answer #1 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Dobsonian telescope is a type of reflector telescope. The only difference is that a Dobsonian is mounted on a Dobsonian mount, which is a simple altazimuth mount made simply of inexpensive materials. The tube, mirror, diagonal, mirror cell, eyepiece and focus assembly are all those of any other reflector telescope. Some manufacturers offer the same reflector telescope on a Dobsonian mount or an equatorial mount of some more complex type. The Dobs is cheaper.
2007-03-14 17:06:02 · answer #2 · answered by aviophage 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A Dobsonian is a reflector. More specifically, it is a newtonian reflector, however, "Dobsonian" does signify the type of base.
Some dobsonian telescopes have optical tubes that can be mounted on a german equatorial mount. These are typically enclosed tubes with the center of mass somewhere near the middle of the tube. Some, however, have truss tubes and the center of mass of the tube is at the primary mirror. These are typically mounted on cradle type dobsonian mounts and it would be impractical, if not impossible, to mount them on a tripod based german equatorial mount using traditional methods.
2007-03-15 19:35:56 · answer #3 · answered by minuteblue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Dobsonian telescope is a design that has become popular amongst amateur astronomers because it results in an extremely simple and rugged large-aperture instrument at low cost. The term "Dobsonian" or "Dob" refers to any telescope with an alt-azimuth mount and a Newtonian telescope tube assembly that feature several innovations made popular by John Dobson. The telescope is a favorite among amateur telescope makers who pioneered many of its original features and has been made increasingly popular by commercial telescope makers.
A reflecting telescope (reflector) is an optical telescope which uses a combination of curved or plane (flat) mirrors to reflect light and form an image (catoptric), rather than lenses to refract or bend light to form an image (dioptric).
2007-03-14 17:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by myllur 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A Dobsonian is a Newtonian reflector with an alt azimuth mount.
2007-03-14 18:15:50 · answer #5 · answered by mr.gold 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋