PBS
Pbs Learning Media: The Beginnings of the Telescope
This animated essay from the NOVA Web site examines the design of Galileo's refracting telescope and Sir Isaac Newton's reflecting telescope.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Amazing Space: Telescopes From the Ground Up
Students can investigate the historical development of six different telescopes. The technical aspects of different telescopes are also presented.
University of Chicago
Telescopes at Yerkes Observatory / Virtual Tour
This site describes the difference between reflective and refractive telescopes and includes a virtual tour of Yerkes Observatory which houses the largest refracting telescope in the world.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Nasa: Hubble Space Telescope: Hubble Is a Reflecting Telescope
Learn all about the Hubble Telescope and obtain vital statistics at the same time. Click on links to watch different movies about the Hubble.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Cassegrain Telescope
[Free Registration/Login Required] Learn about the law of reflection by curved mirrors and how the shape and size of a telescope impacts its observing capabilities.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Telescopes
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Overview of types of telescopes.
Other
Meade Instruments Corporation: How Telescopes Work
This page explains in fairly simple terms the basics of telescopes. It includes information on the various types of telescopes and the factors people use to select the correct telescope for them. Meade is a leading telescope manufacturer.
University of Maryland
Optics Highlights: The Telescope
Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of the invention of the telescope. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Isaac Newton which focuses on his contribution...
Other
Fraser Valley Astronomers Society: Mirror Making
Directions and suggestions for making a parabolic mirror out of epoxy for use in a reflecting telescope. Links provided for sources of epoxy.
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Telescope
Illustrated discussion of the invention of the telescope with details on Galileo's telescope, the reflecting telescope, and the space telescope.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Refracting Telescope
Wikipedia provides detailed information on refracting telescopes, including an image, technical difficulties, and a hyperlinked list to info on notable refracting telescopes.
Other
South African Large Telescope Project
South African Large Telescope (SALT) homepage describes a multi-national project sponsored by the South African Astronomical Observatory to build a large telescope in South Africa. Visually appealing and written for the lay person.
Other
Aao: The Anglo Australian Observatory Homepage
The Anglo-Australian Observatory located in the center of Australia is a joint venture between the Australian and British governments. Page gives basic information about the observatory and its telescopes. Check out the site map first...
Cosmos 4 kids
Cosmos4 Kids: Exploration:telescopes
Learn how telescopes work .. terms like reflection, refraction, different kinds of lens, and more. The brief, to the point text makes this site most suitable for younger researchers.
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: 3 2 1 Contact, Don't Touch That Dial
A discussion of reflecting telescopes and their use in radio astronomy. The types of information gained from and the research emphasis fueled by such telescopes is described. Site uses Hollywood references and a humorous style.
University of Chicago
University of Chicago: Reflector and Refractor
From the Yerkes Observatory Virtual Tour web site. Compares and contrasts reflecting and refracting telescopes. A link from the page leads to a second page which explains why most modern research telescopes are reflecting telescopes.
Ducksters
Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Telescopes
Kids learn about telescopes in the science of physics including lenses, mirrors, refracting, reflecting, the history, and the Hubble Space Telescope.
Science4Fun
Science4 Fun: Isaac Newton
Brief biographical sketch of Isaac Newton, famous scientist whose discoveries include the law of gravitation, three laws of motion, reflective telescope, and calculus.
Curated OER
Astro Lab: Reflecting Telescopes
Get the facts and historical background information on reflecting telescopes, an important astronomical tool. This page has great accompanying photographs, as well as diagrams.
Curated OER
Astro Lab: Reflecting Telescopes
Get the facts and historical background information on reflecting telescopes, an important astronomical tool. This page has great accompanying photographs, as well as diagrams.
Other
Atmos: Optical Design and Analysis Software
This is a page written by a member of the Amateur Telescope Makers Association, Massimo Riccardi. It describes a downloadable software program which can be used to analyze and design mirrors to exact specifications.
Harvard University
Chandra X Ray Observatory: Video Podcasts: The Incredible Two Inch Universe
A set of podcasts outlining a four-step process for understanding the vastness of our universe, from the vicinity of the Earth and Moon, out into distant galaxies. Downloadable instructions and a handout are included, as well as...
Enchanted Learning
Enchanted Learning: Inventors & Inventions From the 1700s
Use this site to learn more about early inventors and inventions from the 18th century. This web page offers text and images on various inventors and their inventions. You can also access information about inventors and inventions from...
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Libraries:chasing Venus: Observing the Transits of Venus 1631 2004
An online website, from a historical perspective, of the study of the transit of Venus between the sun and the earth.