Why are Telescopes Better at Observing Astronomical Objects than the Naked Eye?

-- | January 22, 2016

Question: Why are telescopes better than the naked eye? — Amanda

Answer: Well, in fact, there are circumstances when the naked eye is a better way to observe astronomical phenomena than a telescope. For example, if you are interested in viewing the general structure of the night sky, such as constellations or the dust lanes what comprise the Milky Way, you are better off using just your eyes, as a telescope would restrict you to observing just a small region of the sky. Telescopes, on the other hand, are best for getting a very close-up look at the details of most astronomical objects, including planets, stars, and galaxies. Telescopes allow you to see details, due to their higher spatial resolution, than one can see with the naked eye.

Jeff Mangum

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
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