terrestrial telescope

Definitions

1. A telescope which, unlike most telescopes used for astronomical purposes, contains an arrangement of lenses presenting an erect (non-inverted) image to the observer, suitable for observation of objects on the Earth's surface.
2. An astronomical telescope which is physically located on the surface of the Earth, as distinct from a telescope located in outer space.

Examples

“Fort Hancock, at Sandy Hook, has been supplied with an immense terrestrial telescope, to be used for vessels at sea.”

“Though its light-collecting mirror is modest by terrestrial telescope standards . . . its precision focus⟳ and perch above Earth's distorting atmosphere make⟳ Hubble's observations the benchmark by which all other observatories are measured.”

CEFR level