secondary mirror

A secondary mirror is a smaller mirror used in some telescopes, particularly reflecting telescopes, to redirect light. In a typical design, the primary mirror gathers and focuses light to a specific point. The secondary mirror then reflects this light to a different location, such as an eyepiece or camera. This setup helps capture the image more conveniently and can also enhance the telescope's overall performance by allowing for larger primary mirrors without making the telescope too bulky. Essentially, the secondary mirror plays a crucial role in guiding and optimizing the light for clearer observations.