Problems Focusing A Newtonian Telescope With a Camera

If a telescope is not designed for imaging, there is a fair chance that any attempt to connect a camera would fail.

To understand why, let's first look at the design of a Newtonian reflector.

Light enters the telescope through the main aperture opening at the front-end of the telescope. It hits the primary mirror and is then redirected back toward the front of the scope. Because the mirror is curved, the reflection isn't straight-back, but angled inward, toward the secondary mirror. When it hits the secondary, it is then redirected through a hole in the side of the telescope.

Both the telescope and the eyepiece have their own focal lengths. To achieve focus for an eyepiece, the focal point of the eyepiece and the focal point of the telescope must come together.

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