Which characteristic is true for both refracting and reflecting telescopes?

Both refracting and reflecting telescopes are designed to focus light from distant objects, which enables them to greatly magnify these objects. The fundamental purpose of both types of telescopes is to collect light and produce a magnified image of celestial bodies, allowing astronomers and stargazers to observe details that would be otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

Refracting telescopes utilize lenses to bend and focus light, whereas reflecting telescopes use mirrors to achieve the same goal. Despite their differences in design, both types are capable of magnifying distant objects effectively. The capacity for magnification is a crucial element in the functionality of telescopes, making option C the most accurate choice among the provided answers.

In contrast, the other options do not apply universally to both types. Lenses are mainly used in refracting telescopes, while reflecting telescopes rely on mirrors. Likewise, reflection is a characteristic of only reflecting telescopes; this does not apply to the refracting type. Perfect atmospheric conditions are not a requirement for either telescope type, although good conditions can enhance viewing clarity. Hence, the ability to magnify distant objects is a shared characteristic between refracting and reflecting telescopes.