What does the resolving power of a telescope refer to?

The resolving power of a telescope is defined as its ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects. This capability is crucial for observing fine details in celestial objects, such as the separation of binary stars, the features on planetary surfaces, or the structure of distant galaxies. High resolving power allows astronomers to see more detailed images and clearly define objects, making it essential for accurate observations and measurements in astronomy.

While gathering light is important for observing faint objects, it is not the primary measure of resolving power; rather, it pertains to the telescope's aperture and light-gathering ability. Magnification relates to how much larger an image appears and is influenced by focal length and eyepiece choice, yet it does not equate to resolving power. The overall size of the telescope can contribute to its light-gathering capacity but does not directly define its ability to resolve details. Therefore, the ability of a telescope to distinguish details is the most accurate description of resolving power.