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

Telescopes are great if you want to see objects in space at close range. On the other hand, the naked eye is better for a wider and clearer view of astronomical phenomena, like the general night sky. But when you use a telescope, you zoom into the details of astronomical objects.
If you’re using a telescope to look at the moon, that’s all you’ll see. The moon and all its details. Telescopes are mostly used in astronomy because they have a higher spatial resolution, unlike the human eye.
Astronomical observatories are set up in different places worldwide. Here, you can observe celestial objects with the help of telescopes and other instruments.
So, why do these observatories prefer to install telescopes instead of letting visitors use their naked eye? Here’s why your naked eye is not strong enough to observe astronomical objects.
How the Naked Human Eye Works in Astronomical Observation
Everything appears equidistant when you’re on the ground looking up at the sky. Moreover, you see the sky as an endless spherical bowl. Without a telescope, your naked eye can see up to 6,000 stars in the darkest conditions. However, you cannot view them close by, and they all seem the same distance away.
The human eye is like a small lens. Therefore, it can only allow in a small amount of light. As a result, the eye sees better in the daytime. However, if you need to study faint stars in the sky, the naked eye might not do you justice.
Why Are Telescopes Better?
Telescopes have larger apertures than the human eye. Thus, more light is brought into the device, making observation better. For example, if a star is too faint and invisible to the naked eye, the telescope brightens it up, allowing you to study it much better.
Most reflective telescopes use curved mirrors to focus light from the night sky. These mirrors are also known as optics. The optics must be the right shape and without scratches to make the images clear.
Telescopes that use lenses are refractive. The lens bends light when it passes through. Thus, the telescope makes objects in the sky seem like they are closer to you. Astronomers prefer using telescopes for many reasons. That’s why observatories emulate what astronomers do to give their visitors a real experience.
Why Astronomers Use Telescopes Over the Naked Eye
Although eyes are good for observing astronomical objects, astronomers prefer to use telescopes. Here are the reasons why:
Telescopes see many colors since they collect infrared, ultraviolet, and gamma rays, which the naked eye can’t.
Telescopes collect more light than the human eye because eyes are only a few millimeters across.
Telescopes allow you to see the finer details. The human eye has nerves, and light’s wave nature only allows you to see details like a planet’s width. However, telescopes allow astronomers to see intricate details like the Great Red Spot on Jupiter.
You might enjoy seeing celestial beings with your naked eye. However, telescopes are better if you want to view the stars and planets in finer detail. Astronomers also prefer telescopes because of their high spatial resolution.