A Galilean Telescope or a terrestrial telescope is an optical instrument which is used to see the magnified image of distant objects on earth. Galilean telescope consists of a convex lens as objective lens but a concave lens as eye piece. It always forms erect images of the objects seen through it.
Differences between Astronomical Telescope and Galilean Telescope
| S No. | Astronomical Telescope | Galilean Telescope |
| 1. | An astronomical telescope is an optical instrument which is used to see the magnified image of distant heavenly bodies like stars, planets, satellites and galaxies etc. | A Galilean Telescope or a terrestrial telescope is an optical instrument which is used to see the magnified image of distant objects on earth. |
| 2. | It consists of two convex lenses. | It consists of a convex objective lens and concave eye piece. |
| 3. | The final image formed by astronomical telescope is always inverted. | The final image formed by Galilean telescope is erect. |
| 4. | Its magnifying power is high. | Its magnifying power is low. |
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- Which instrument is used to see distant objects?
- Why Galilean telescope is not used to seen heavenly bodies?
- Give differences between astronomical and Galilean telescope.