<P> The basic scheme is that the primary light - gathering element the objective ( 1 ) ( the convex lens or concave mirror used to gather the incoming light ) , focuses that light from the distant object ( 4 ) to a focal plane where it forms a real image ( 5 ) . This image may be recorded or viewed through an eyepiece ( 2 ) , which acts like a magnifying glass . The eye ( 3 ) then sees an inverted magnified virtual image ( 6 ) of the object . </P>
<P> The basic scheme is that the primary light - gathering element the objective ( 1 ) ( the convex lens or concave mirror used to gather the incoming light ) , focuses that light from the distant object ( 4 ) to a focal plane where it forms a real image ( 5 ) . This image may be recorded or viewed through an eyepiece ( 2 ) , which acts like a magnifying glass . The eye ( 3 ) then sees an inverted magnified virtual image ( 6 ) of the object . </P>
the part of a telescope that gathers the light from a distant object
the part of a telescope that gathers the light from a distant object
the objective ( 1 ) ( the convex lens or concave mirror used to gather the incoming light )
the objective ( 1 ) ( the convex lens or concave mirror used to gather the incoming light )