How to calculate the amount of light a telescope collects?

Stargazing
Thread starter JoAstro
Start date Jan 17, 2016
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In summary, the aperture of a telescope can be calculated by measuring the diameter of the primary lens or mirror. The formula for calculating the light-gathering power of a telescope is (aperture/2)^2 x π, and the focal length does not directly affect the light collected, but can affect magnification. There is no direct relationship between light-gathering power and magnifying power. Light pollution in a location can significantly reduce the amount of light collected by a telescope.

Jan 17, 2016

JoAstro

Having the unaided eye's pupil to be 6.4mm and the diameter of a telescope 8-inches, how can I calculate the amount of light the a scope collects over the human eye?

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Jan 17, 2016

Drakkith

Mentor

Calculate the area of each aperture. It's just the area of a circle. Then compare the area of the eye's pupil to the area of the telescope's aperture.

Related to How to calculate the amount of light a telescope collects?

1. How do you calculate the aperture of a telescope?

The aperture of a telescope can be calculated by measuring the diameter of the telescope's primary lens or mirror. This measurement is typically given in millimeters or inches.

2. What is the formula for calculating the light-gathering power of a telescope?

The formula for calculating the light-gathering power of a telescope is: (aperture/2)^2 x π, where aperture is the diameter of the telescope's primary lens or mirror. This formula will give you the total area of the telescope's light-gathering surface.

3. How does the focal length affect the amount of light a telescope collects?

The focal length of a telescope does not directly affect the amount of light it collects. However, a longer focal length can provide higher magnification, which can make faint objects appear brighter due to the increased concentration of light.

4. What is the relationship between a telescope's light-gathering power and its magnifying power?

There is no direct relationship between a telescope's light-gathering power and its magnifying power. A telescope with a larger aperture will have a higher light-gathering power, but this does not necessarily mean it will have a higher magnifying power. Magnification is determined by the combination of the telescope's focal length and eyepiece used.

5. How does the light pollution in a location affect the amount of light a telescope collects?

The amount of light pollution in a location can significantly affect the amount of light a telescope collects. Light pollution can make it more challenging to see faint objects and can also reduce the contrast of the objects being viewed. Therefore, using a telescope in a dark, low-light pollution area will result in the collection of more light and better visibility of celestial objects.