What is the difference between a binocular and a telescope?

Binoculars and telescopes are both optical instruments used for viewing distant objects, but there are some key differences between the two.

Binoculars use two small telescopes, one for each eye, which are mounted side-by-side and aligned to point at the same object. This allows for binocular vision and gives the user a sense of depth perception. Binoculars are typically smaller and more portable than telescopes, making them a popular choice for bird watching, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Telescopes, on the other hand, use a single large telescope objective to gather and focus light. The image is viewed through a single eyepiece, and there is no binocular vision. Telescopes are designed for more specialized viewing of the night sky, such as viewing planets, stars, and galaxies.

In summary, while both binoculars and telescopes are used for viewing distant objects, binoculars are better suited for portable daytime viewing while telescopes are designed for more specialized nighttime viewing.