The largest refracting telescope in the world is the 102-cm (40 in.) telescope at Yerkes Observatory, built in 1897. Why have no larger refracting telescopes ever been built?
A) Larger lenses would have too much chromatic aberration.
B) The sagging of larger lenses under their own weight would produce image distortion.
C) The thickness of larger lenses would produce too much spherical aberration.
D) Larger lenses would produce too much magnification.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Larger lenses would sag under their own weight, causing image distortion, which is a significant limitation in constructing larger refracting telescopes.

The Largest Refracting Telescope in the World Is the 102-Cm