What are the differences between a reflector and a refractor?
Reflecting telescopes use mirrors (which reflect light) while refractors use glass lenses (which refract light). The first telescopes were refractors, but reflectors have become more popular. In practical terms, reflectors are usually cheaper to make, so you can get more telescope for the money. Refractors give correct images making them useful for terrestrial observations, while reflectors give inverted views. There are other types of telescopes as well, but this is the basic differentiation that beginners need to know when choosing a first telescope.
