The Sun is a star, which means that it produces its own light. The planets and moons of the solar system cannot produce their own light. They only reflect the light of the Sun.

During bright moonlit nights, the Moon reflects sunlight so well that you can see around yourself even without a flashlight.



The function of the reflecting telescope is based on the reflection of light. It contains a round, concave mirror that magnifies the image, whereas another mirror reflects the image into the telescope's ocular.

Reflecting telescopes are used to study the solar system and the universe. The world's largest reflecting telescope is found in the Canary Isles. Its mirror is 10,2 meters wide.