A particular telescope is set up to use the coudé focus. Which arrangement of mirrors is used to bring the light to this focus?
A) curved primary mirror followed by a series of plane and curved mirrors that channel the light to a remote and fixed location
B) concave primary mirror followed by a convex secondary mirror that reflects light through a hole in the primary mirror
C) concave primary mirror followed by a concave secondary mirror that reflects light through a hole in the primary mirror
D) concave primary mirror and a flat, diagonal secondary mirror mounted at a 45° angle to the telescope axis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The coudé focus involves a complex arrangement of mirrors, including both plane (flat) and curved mirrors, to direct light to a fixed location outside the telescope's main structure, allowing for stable, heavy, or sensitive instruments to be used without being mounted on the moving telescope itself.

A Particular Telescope Is Set Up to Use the Coudé