A telescope’s large aperture (opening) enables it to collect more light than the human eye can. This feature is important to detect dim, distant stars as well as to distinguish a star’s features, some of which appear lighter than others. Increasing a telescope’s magnification by shortening the focal length of a lens makes a small, blurry image appear as a larger, blurry image.

What is the best way to detect specific features of a distant star?

Explanation

A large aperture is needed to collect enough light to distinguish dark areas from lighter areas on the star.

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