- #1
AstroCody
- 5
- 1
What was the diameter of the telescope that Charles Messier used to make the Messier Catalog?
The diameter of Charles Messier's telescope is approximately 3.5 inches.
Compared to modern telescopes, the diameter of Messier's telescope is relatively small. Most modern telescopes have diameters of several feet or even meters.
Messier's telescope was built in the 18th century, when technology and materials were not as advanced as they are today. A smaller diameter was more practical and manageable for the time period.
No, the smaller diameter of Messier's telescope did not hinder his ability to make important astronomical discoveries. Messier was able to discover and catalog over 100 deep sky objects, including galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.
While Messier's original telescope is no longer in use, modern replicas have been made and can still be used for basic astronomical observations. However, they are not as powerful or versatile as modern telescopes.