What is the primary function of a telescope?

The primary function of a telescope is to view distant stars and other celestial objects. Telescopes are optical instruments designed to collect and magnify light from faraway sources, allowing astronomers to observe details that are not visible to the naked eye. This ability to enhance the visibility of distant light enables the study of stars, planets, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe.

The other answer choices relate to different scientific fields. Measuring temperature pertains to meteorology or thermometry, classifying animals involves biology and taxonomy, while studying weather patterns is directly related to meteorology. Each of these tasks requires different tools and methods, distinct from the purpose of a telescope.