# light bucket

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/light-bucket
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A reflecting telescope, especially one with a relatively large aperture and suitable for observing deep sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies.

## Examples

- That new telescope is a real light bucket for stargazing.
- Because the mirror is so wide, this light bucket captures faint light from distant galaxies.
- The astronomer spent years grinding the mirror for his custom light bucket to ensure optimal clarity when observing deep-sky objects.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.