Astronomical instrument

An astronomical instrument is a device designed to observe, measure, or model celestial objects and motions. Instruments range from unaided-eye aids and telescopes to detectors and precision timing devices.

Telescope: An instrument that collects and focuses electromagnetic radiation to observe distant objects. Telescopes gather faint light or other radiation, extending observation beyond the unaided eye.
Electromagnetic spectrum: The full range of electromagnetic radiation, ordered by wavelength or frequency. Different instruments target different wavelength bands across this spectrum.
Optical telescope: A telescope that observes visible light using lenses, mirrors, or both. Optical telescopes are the familiar instruments for imaging visible celestial objects.
Binoculars: A paired optical instrument that provides magnified, stereoscopic viewing through two small telescopes. Binoculars offer portable wide-field viewing but less light collection than large telescopes.
Gnomon: A vertical rod or pointer whose shadow indicates the Sun's apparent position and time. The gnomon is among the earliest tools for measuring solar motion and time.
Astronomical detector: A device that converts incoming electromagnetic radiation or particles into a measurable signal. Detectors record telescope signals as data that can be measured and analyzed.
Angular resolution: The smallest angular separation at which an instrument can distinguish two sources. Resolution determines how finely an instrument can separate nearby celestial objects.
Radio telescope: An antenna or array designed to detect radio-frequency radiation from astronomical sources. Radio telescopes observe wavelengths inaccessible to ordinary optical instruments.
Naked-eye astronomy: The observation of celestial objects without optical instruments. Unaided observation is the baseline that instruments extend in sensitivity and precision.
Quadrant (instrument): An instrument with a graduated quarter-circle used to measure angular altitude in the sky. Quadrants enabled systematic measurements of celestial altitude before telescopic astronomy.

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