What defines a reflective telescope?

A reflective telescope is defined by its use of mirrors to gather and focus light. This design allows for the construction of larger apertures than can be achieved with lenses, which is critical for capturing more light and providing clearer images of celestial objects. By using mirrors, reflective telescopes can also avoid some of the optical issues associated with lenses, such as chromatic aberration, which results in color distortion. The primary mirror gathers light and reflects it to a focal point, where a secondary mirror may direct the light into an eyepiece or camera. This configuration makes reflective telescopes a popular choice for both amateur and professional astronomers.