optical magnification

Optical magnification is the process by which a device, like a microscope or telescope, makes an object appear larger than it does to the naked eye. It works by using lenses or mirrors to bend and focus light from the object, enlarging its image so you can see more detail or view distant objects more clearly. Essentially, higher magnification means you see a bigger, more detailed image, though it doesn't increase the actual size or resolution of the object itself. It helps us observe fine details that are otherwise too small or far away to see clearly unaided.