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Combines lenses and mirrors to form an image, with the main goal of correcting optical errors like chromatic and spherical aberration. Popular designs include the Schmidt-Cassegrain and Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes. Used by amateur and professional astronomers.

Employs a single or a combination of curved mirrors that reflect light and form an image. The primary mirror is the main light-collecting element. Primarily used in astronomical observations due to less chromatic aberration and larger sizes possible.

Designed to detect infrared radiation from celestial sources. They often require cooling mechanisms to reduce their own heat emission and can be located at high altitudes or space. Significant in studying objects obscured by dust and cool celestial bodies.

Detects the highest energy form of light, gamma rays. These telescopes must be placed in space to bypass Earth's atmospheric interference and use indirect methods to register gamma photons. Used to study the most energetic and extreme phenomena like supernovae and black holes.

Captures X-ray emissions from astronomical objects. Because X-rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere, these telescopes need to be mounted on satellites. The imagery provides essential insights into the physics of high-energy objects like neutron stars and black holes.

Detects radio emissions from the sky, using a large parabolic antenna to collect and focus the radio waves onto a receiver. Used in radio astronomy to study celestial objects that emit radio waves, such as quasars, pulsars, and galaxies.

Uses lenses to form an image. The primary lens is called the objective lens, and it refracts the light to a focus, where the eyepiece then magnifies the image for viewing. Often used for terrestrial and basic astronomical observations.

Specifically designed to observe the Sun. They generally have specialized filters to reduce the intensity of sunlight and protect the observer's eye or the imaging sensor. Employed in studying solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and prominences.

Operates from outside the Earth's atmosphere, thereby avoiding atmospheric distortions and light pollution. Renowned space telescopes include the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope. They provide high-resolution and broad-wavelength observations of the universe.