What is a telescope?

A telescope is an optical instrument designed to observe distant objects by collecting and focusing light. It typically uses lenses or mirrors (or both) to gather and magnify the incoming light from distant objects, making them appear larger and clearer than they would to the naked eye; option [A]. Telescopes are crucial tools in astronomy, allowing astronomers to study celestial objects such as stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae in detail. They can also be used for terrestrial observation, such as in surveillance or birdwatching. Telescopes come in various types, including refracting telescopes that use lenses to bend light and reflecting telescopes that use mirrors to reflect and focus light. Option A suggests seeing distant objects, which aligns with the purpose of telescopes. Options B and C are unrelated to the function of telescopes, and option D dismisses any connection to the correct function of a telescope.