Reflecting Telescope Collection (#2)

Testing the Hubble Space Telescope, 1980s. The telescope is shown being installed in an acoustic test cell. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

Polishing the mirror of the Hubble Telescope, 1980s. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), was designed to see seven times further into space than had been possible before

Isaac Newton (1642-1727), English mathematician, astronomer and physicist. Newtons discoveries were prolific and exerted a huge influence on science and thought

Isaac Newton, English mathematician, astronomer and physicist. Newtons (1642-1727) discoveries were prolific and exerted a huge influence on science and thought

Isaac Newtons reflecting telescope, 1668. Artist: Isaac Newton
Isaac Newtons reflecting telescope, 1668. Isaac Newton (1642-1727), English scientist and mathematician built the first ever reflecting telescope in 1668

Hubble Space Telescope above the Earth. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was put into orbit from the Space Shuttle Discovery, mission STS-31, on 24 April 1990

William Herschels reflecting telescope with focal length of 40 feet, Slough, England, 1809. The illustration shows the top of the brick foundation

William Herschel (1738-1822) German-born English astronomer. Herschel discovered Uranus in 1781. It was the first planet to be discovered since ancient times

200 inch Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory, California, at night, c1948. This was the worlds largest telescope when completed in 1948, with a mirror 200 inches in diameter

GranTeCan telescope, artwork C017 / 7204
GranTeCan telescope. Computer artwork of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC, or GranTeCan), which is sited at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Canary Islands

GranTeCan telescope, artwork C017 / 7203
GranTeCan telescope. Computer artwork of the Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC, or GranTeCan), which is sited at the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, La Palma, Canary Islands

Reflecting telescope, artwork C017 / 7352
Reflecting telescope. Computer artwork showing the structure of a typical small reflecting telescope. A reflecting telescope is a type of optical telescope that collects light through a concave

30-inch telescope, Helwan, Egypt
30-inch telescope, Helwan Observatory. This observatory was built in Helwan, a suburb of Cairo, Egypt, from 1903. This 30-inch reflector telescope was provided in 1905 by British astronomer John

30-inch telescope focus, Helwan, Egypt
30-inch telescope focus. At right is the secondary mirror, used to reflect light from the larger primary mirror towards the camera (left) that contains photographic plates

Lassell Dome at Greenwich, 19th century
Lassell Dome at Greenwich. 19th-century artwork of the 30-foot (9.1 metres) Lassell Dome at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, UK

William Herschel, astronomer
Frederick William Herschel (November 1738 - 25th August 1822) steel engraving 1833 " Gallery of Portraits" by Schriven after J. Russel 1790

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

The reflecting telescope, a marvel of scientific ingenuity and innovation, has a rich history that dates back centuries. In 1689, the young Sir Isaac Newton, renowned English mathematician, astronomer, and physicist, made significant contributions to this field. A portrait of him from that era captures his brilliance and determination. Newton's telescope became an iconic symbol of his groundbreaking work in optics. Historical artwork showcases this revolutionary invention that forever changed our understanding of the universe. Caricatures like "Isaac Newton and the Apple" depict the famous moment when he formulated his theory of gravity. As an English physicist who revolutionized science in the 19th century, Isaac Newton left an indelible mark on astronomy with his discoveries. His legacy lives on through various depictions such as "PSCI2A-00005, " which immortalizes his contributions. Other notable telescopes emerged over time, including Herschel's Grand Telescope featured in Plate 505 from Encyclopaedia Britannica. This masterpiece exemplifies how technology evolved to enhance our exploration of space. Relics preserved within the Rooms of the Royal Society serve as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge. Engravings capture these artifacts while showcasing their historical significance. Reflecting telescopes have played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of celestial bodies. The Royal Society has been at the forefront of promoting scientific advancements throughout history; lithographs depicting its influence stand as testaments to its enduring impact. One remarkable example is "The Great Telescope constructed by Lord Rosse. " Built between 1828 and 1845 by an unknown creator, it stands tall as a symbol of human curiosity and ambition. Whether through portraits or engravings or even caricatures capturing moments like Newton's encounter with an apple – each image tells a story about how reflecting telescopes have shaped our understanding of the cosmos over time.