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Periscope vs. Telescope — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
A periscope allows viewing over obstructions using angled mirrors or prisms, while a telescope magnifies distant objects.
Periscope vs. Telescope — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Periscope and Telescope

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Key Differences

Periscopes and telescopes are optical devices serving different purposes.
A periscope uses a pair of mirrors or prisms set parallel to each other at a 45-degree angle, allowing individuals to view objects that might be obstructed. A telescope, however, is designed to observe distant objects by collecting electromagnetic radiation.
In terms of construction and complexity, there's a noticeable difference between the two.
Periscopes are simpler in design, commonly consisting of a long tube with mirrors at each end. Telescopes can be much more complex, with various types like refracting and reflecting, using lenses or mirrors to magnify distant objects.
Historically and practically, periscopes and telescopes have distinct applications.
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Periscopes are famously known for their military use, especially in submarines to view above the water's surface. Telescopes have been instrumental in astronomy, helping scientists study celestial objects.
The primary function of both instruments revolves around enhancing human vision, but in different contexts.
A periscope effectively extends the line of sight, allowing users to see over or around obstacles. A telescope amplifies vision to observe objects far beyond normal sight capabilities.
Both the periscope and telescope have made significant contributions to their respective fields.
Through periscopes, military operations have achieved stealth and surveillance in challenging environments. Telescopes, on the other hand, have opened the universe to human exploration, unveiling planets, stars, and galaxies.

Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Views over/around obstructions
Magnifies distant objects

Common Components

Mirrors or Prisms
Lenses or Mirrors

Typical Usage

Military (e.g., submarines)
Astronomy

Complexity

Generally simpler
Can be highly complex depending on the type

Contribution

Enhances stealth & surveillance in military operations
Expands knowledge of celestial objects & the universe

Compare with Definitions

Periscope

Consists of a tube with parallel mirrors.
The children made a simple periscope from cardboard tubes.

Telescope

Can be refracting or reflecting.
The large observatory housed a powerful reflecting telescope.

Periscope

Used to view objects above obstructions.
The submarine's periscope broke the water's surface.

Telescope

Collects and focuses electromagnetic radiation.
With his telescope, he could see the rings of Saturn clearly.

Periscope

Common in military and naval use.
The captain raised the periscope to survey the horizon.

Telescope

Capable of being extended or compacted, like a telescope, by the sliding of joints or parts one within the other; telescopic; as, a telescope bag; telescope table, etc.; - now more commonly replaced by the term telescoping.

Periscope

An optical instrument with mirrors.
He used a periscope to peek over the wall.

Telescope

An optical instrument to magnify distant objects.
He observed the stars through his telescope.

Periscope

Alters the line of sight vertically or horizontally.
With the periscope, she could see around the corner.

Telescope

Utilized primarily in astronomy.
Galileo made groundbreaking discoveries with his telescope.

Periscope

A periscope is an instrument for observation over, around or through an object, obstacle or condition that prevents direct line-of-sight observation from an observer's current position.In its simplest form, it consists of an outer case with mirrors at each end set parallel to each other at a 45° angle. This form of periscope, with the addition of two simple lenses, served for observation purposes in the trenches during World War I. Military personnel also use periscopes in some gun turrets and in armoured vehicles.More complex periscopes using prisms or advanced fiber optics instead of mirrors and providing magnification operate on submarines and in various fields of science.

Telescope

A telescope is an optical instrument using lenses, curved mirrors, or a combination of both to observe distant objects, or various devices used to observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation. The first known practical telescopes were refracting telescopes invented in the Netherlands at the beginning of the 17th century, by using glass lenses.

Periscope

An apparatus consisting of a tube attached to a set of mirrors or prisms, by which an observer (typically in a submerged submarine or behind a high obstacle) can see things that are otherwise out of sight.

Telescope

An arrangement of lenses or mirrors or both that gathers light, permitting direct observation or photographic recording of distant objects.

Periscope

Any of various tubular optical instruments that conn reflecting elements, such as mirrors and prisms, to permit observation from a position displaced from a direct line of sight.

Telescope

Any of various devices, such as a radio telescope, used to detect and observe distant objects by their emission, absorption, or reflection of electromagnetic radiation.

Periscope

A form of viewing device that allows the viewer to see things at a different height level and usually with minimal visibility.

Telescope

To cause to slide inward or outward in overlapping sections, as the cylindrical sections of a small hand telescope do.

Periscope

(obsolete): A general or comprehensive view.

Telescope

To make more compact or concise; condense.

Periscope

(intransitive) To rise and peer around, in the manner of a periscope.

Telescope

To slide inward or outward in or as if in overlapping cylindrical sections
A camp bucket that telescopes into a disk.

Periscope

A general or comprehensive view.

Telescope

A monocular optical instrument that magnifies distant objects, especially in astronomy.

Periscope

An optical instrument of tubular shape containing an arrangement of lenses and mirrors (or prisms), allowing a person to observe a field of view otherwise obstructed, as beyond an obstructing object or (as in submarines) above the surface of the water.

Telescope

Any instrument used in astronomy for observing distant objects (such as a radio telescope).

Periscope

An optical instrument that provides a view of an otherwise obstructed field

Telescope

(television) A retractable tubular support for lights.

Telescope

(ambitransitive) To extend or contract in the manner of a telescope.

Telescope

(ambitransitive) To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass.

Telescope

(intransitive) To come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another.

Telescope

To collapse, via cancellation.

Telescope

An optical instrument used in viewing distant objects, as the heavenly bodies.

Telescope

To slide or pass one within another, after the manner of the sections of a small telescope or spyglass; to come into collision, as railway cars, in such a manner that one runs into another; to become compressed in the manner of a telescope, due to a collision or other force.

Telescope

To cause to come into collision, so as to telescope.

Telescope

To shorten or abridge significantly; as, to telescope a whole semester's lectures into one week.

Telescope

A magnifier of images of distant objects

Telescope

Crush together or collapse;
In the accident, the cars telescoped
My hiking sticks telescope and can be put into the backpack

Telescope

Make smaller or shorter;
The novel was telescoped into a short play

Telescope

Enhances human vision for celestial observation.
The Hubble Space Telescope has provided stunning images of distant galaxies.

Common Curiosities

Why do submarines use periscopes?

Submarines use periscopes to view above the water's surface without emerging fully.

Can I use a telescope to view around corners like a periscope?

No, telescopes are designed for viewing distant objects, not for viewing around obstacles like periscopes.

What is a periscope?

A periscope is an optical device allowing users to view over or around obstacles using mirrors or prisms.

Are periscopes used in astronomy like telescopes?

No, periscopes are primarily used to view over obstructions, while telescopes are designed for astronomical observations.

How does a telescope work?

A telescope works by collecting electromagnetic radiation (like visible light) and magnifying distant objects for closer observation.

How have telescopes impacted science?

Telescopes have revolutionized astronomy, enabling discoveries of planets, stars, galaxies, and phenomena like black holes.

Does a periscope magnify objects like a telescope?

Generally, a periscope doesn't magnify objects. Its primary purpose is to alter the line of sight.

Can telescopes view other galaxies?

Yes, powerful telescopes can observe distant galaxies, expanding our understanding of the universe.

How long have periscopes been in use?

Periscopes have been in use since the early 20th century, especially in naval warfare.

How do mirrors in a periscope work?

Mirrors in a periscope are set parallel at a 45-degree angle, reflecting light from one to another to allow viewing over or around obstructions.

Is the Hubble a type of telescope?

Yes, the Hubble is a space telescope, designed for observations from outside Earth's atmosphere.

Are there different types of telescopes?

Yes, there are various types of telescopes, including refracting, reflecting, and radio telescopes, among others.

Can I buy a periscope for personal use?

Yes, simple periscopes are available for educational or recreational use.

Are there digital versions of periscopes?

Modern versions, especially for military use, may incorporate digital technology, offering enhanced features over traditional periscopes.

Can telescopes be used during the day?

Yes, telescopes can be used during the day, especially to observe celestial objects like the sun (with appropriate filters). However, most astronomical observations are best conducted at night.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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