Astronomers use telescopes to collect faint and distant light from space. Without these instruments, the 100 billion galaxies in the observable Universe would be undiscovered. These resources investigate the advantages and properties of different kinds of telescopes.

		Telescopes: Super Views of Space Article for grades 6 through 12 It probably comes as no surprise that telescopes do a better job of collecting light and observing outer space than your eyes. But do you know why? (Hint: the answer is NOT magnification!)
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		Gathering Light Curriculum Materials for grades Kindergarten through 8 While refracting and reflecting telescopes use different means of collecting light, the same principle applies to both—the bigger the aperture, the more light collected.
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		Building a Simple Refracting Telescope Curriculum Materials for grades 5 through 8 What could Galileo see when he looked through his telescope? Build a refracting telescope with lenses similar to the ones he used, and see the answer for yourself.
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		Focal Point Curriculum Materials for grades 6 through 12 What is a telescope's focal point, and why is knowing its location so important to astronomers? Grab a flashlight, an empty soda bottle, and a few other supplies; then find out.
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