this post was submitted on 17 Nov 2024
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Astronomy

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[–] astro_ray@piefed.social 44 points 7 hours ago (1 children)
[–] einfach_orangensaft@sh.itjust.works 19 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

Its like a newtownian just that it has a spherical mirror (cheaper to make) and uses a corrective lens in front of the eyepeace.

[–] MrFappy@lemmy.world 42 points 7 hours ago (1 children)
[–] Forester@yiffit.net 34 points 6 hours ago* (last edited 6 hours ago) (1 children)

It's an inferior telescope with a cheap mirror and built in contacts lenses to make it work

[–] echo@lemmings.world 13 points 5 hours ago (2 children)

Awesome ELI5. Now... why is it called that?

[–] keckbug@lemmy.world 8 points 4 hours ago

As with nearly everything in astronomic optics, it’s named after people associated with its creation. Robert Jones and Thomas Bird are the two in this case. Here’s a thread on Cloudy nights with good info.

[–] mindbleach@sh.itjust.works 4 points 4 hours ago (1 children)

Guy named Bird, guy names Jones.

[–] SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 3 hours ago

Okay okay

...

But why were their last names that?

[–] rickt137@astrodon.social 5 points 7 hours ago (1 children)

@einfach_orangensaft I had a Bird Jones - worst optics I've ever seen in a telescope. It was cute as a button sitting on my desk, though!