Periscope vs. Telescope — What's the Difference?

Consists of a tube with parallel mirrors.

Can be refracting or reflecting.

Used to view objects above obstructions.

Collects and focuses electromagnetic radiation.

Common in military and naval use.

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.

An optical instrument with mirrors.

An optical instrument to magnify distant objects.

Alters the line of sight vertically or horizontally.

Utilized primarily in astronomy.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

(obsolete): A general or comprehensive view.

To make more compact or concise; condense.

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

To slide inward or outward in or as if in overlapping cylindrical sections

A general or comprehensive view.

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

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.

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

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

(television) A retractable tubular support for lights.

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

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

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

To collapse, via cancellation.

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

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.

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

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

A magnifier of images of distant objects

Crush together or collapse;

Make smaller or shorter;

Enhances human vision for celestial observation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.