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Optics

Cassegrain Telescope

A compact reflecting telescope design combining a concave parabolic primary mirror and a convex hyperbolic secondary mirror.

Governing formula f_effective = f_primary × (Magnification of secondary)
SI unit Dimensionless

In depth

Light passes through a central hole in the primary mirror to an eyepiece behind it, folding long optical path length into a short, manageable tube.

Examples in the real world

The Hubble Space Telescope and major observatory reflecting telescopes utilizing Cassegrain architecture.