What is the purpose of a telescope?

The purpose of a telescope primarily revolves around its ability to collect and magnify light from celestial objects. This fundamental function allows astronomers to observe distant stars, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena with greater clarity and detail than what the naked eye can provide. By gathering more light, telescopes enable the study of objects that are extremely faint and distant, making them essential tools in the field of astronomy.

While transmitting images of celestial objects, mapping the night sky, and monitoring satellites may be functions associated with certain technologies or goals within astronomy, they do not capture the primary role of telescopes. The key aspect is that telescopes increase the amount of light collected, improving our capability to see and analyze the universe in depth. This enhanced visibility enables discoveries and research that contribute significantly to our understanding of the cosmos.