List of telescope parts and construction



Hardware

Accessories

Control

Mechanical construction

Mounts

Optics

Mirrors and lenses are the critical light-bending components of a telescope.
Subsequent components realign, segment, or in some way modify the light of an incoming image:
Generally applicable to all items:
  • Metallizing: A way of coating mirrors for high-efficiency light reflection.
  • Optical coating: Thin layers applied to mirrors, filters, and lenses to avoid reflections, as well as absorb certain colors.

Software and control interfaces

Support equipment and buildings