New developments in telescopes?

Question

Have there been any critical new developments in telescopes? If so, please describe them to me.

Answer 1

When you talk about "new developments", how "new" are you refering to?  Last 5 years?

The most significant development of the past few years has been the implementation of adaptive optics.  Adaptive optics allow to improve the telescope's resoultion by actively correcting for the effects of the turbulence in the atmosphere.  Just search "adaptive optics" on the web if you want to learn more.

Answer 2

adaptive optics is a good one. i'd also suggest segmented mirror telesscopes as a way of making really really really big telesscopes.