This is a list of large optical telescopes. For telescopes larger than 3 meters in aperture see
List of largest optical reflecting telescopes
This list of the largest optical reflecting telescopes with Objective (optics), objective diameters of or greater is sorted by aperture, which is a measure of the light-gathering power and resolution of a reflecting telescope. The mirrors themse ...
. This list combines large or expensive reflecting telescopes from any era, as what constitutes famous reflector has changed over time. In 1900 a 1-meter reflector would be among the largest in the world, but by 2000, would be relatively common for professional observatories.
Large reflectors and catadioptric
''See
List of largest optical reflecting telescopes
This list of the largest optical reflecting telescopes with Objective (optics), objective diameters of or greater is sorted by aperture, which is a measure of the light-gathering power and resolution of a reflecting telescope. The mirrors themse ...
for continuation of list to larger scopes''
Selected telescopes below about 2 meters aperture
A non-comprehensive non-exclusionary list of telescopes one yard to less than 2 metres in aperture.
Selected telescopes below about 1 meter/yard aperture
See also
*
Lists of telescopes
This is a list of lists of telescopes.
*List of astronomical interferometers at visible and infrared wavelengths
*List of astronomical observatories
*List of highest astronomical observatories
*List of large optical telescopes
*List of largest i ...
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Large optical telescopes
Optical telescopes
An optical telescope gathers and focuses light mainly from the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum, to create a magnified image for direct visual inspection, to make a photograph, or to collect data through electronic image sensors.
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