In a reflecting telescope, the objective is?

Explore Alberta's Grade 8 Science curriculum on Light and Optical Systems. Test your knowledge with engaging quizzes including flashcards and multiple choice questions. Prepare effectively for your exam!

In a reflecting telescope, light is gathered and focused by a mirror rather than a lens. The objective is the primary concave mirror, which collects light from distant objects and reflects it to a focal point. This creates a real image at the focal plane that the eyepiece then magnifies. A convex lens would belong to a refracting telescope, not a reflector. The eyepiece is used for magnification, not to serve as the objective. A plane mirror can reflect light but cannot form a proper focal image for viewing. Therefore, the concave mirror is the part that collects and focuses the light.