radio telescope Instrument used to collect and record radio waves from space. The basic design is the large single dish or parabolic reflector, up to 100m (330ft) in diameter. The dish reflects radio waves via a secondary reflector to a focus, where they convert into electrical signals. The signals are amplified and sent to the main control room, where there is further amplification before analysis and recording. See also radio astronomy; telescope

ra·di·o tel·e·scope • n. Astron. an instrument used to detect radio emissions from the sky, whether from natural celestial objects or from artificial satellites.