Discuss the difference between the two optical telescopes used in astronomy.?

[JenniferT]

my subject is earth science.

[GeoffG6226]

The answer wanted is probably in your textbook, but is incorrect, because there are actually three types of optical telescope in common use: refractors, reflectors, and catadioptrics.

[B2699]

There are a lot more than just 2 telescopes used in astronomy. This site will show you most of them and it also tells you about each one in detail. http://www.oriontelescopes.com/This is a telescope dealer but it also has some great information in the pages too.

[tham1537800]

Presumably you mean refractors (the type invented by Hannes Lippershey in 1608) and reflectors (invented by Isaac Newton in 1673). Refractors use only lenses to collect and magnify light. Reflectors use mirrors for the same purposes.But there are also complex systems using both mirrors and lenses, invented by Maksutov, Mueller, Schmidt, and others. Plus there are several types of reflectors, including the, Newtonian, Cassagrainian, coude, prime focus, etc.Each type has its strengths and weaknesses. Refractors are known for having problems with chromatic aberration. Mirrors can be built far larger than lenses.