Back to Article List From the September 2009 issue I have a 70-millimeter refracting telescope. Would a scope with a larger diameter make objects look bigger or closer? Mike Haverko, Kelowna, British Columbia By Astronomy Staff | Published: September 28, 2009 | Last updated on May 18, 2023 Key Takeaways: increasing diameter (“aperture”) means your image will be brighter and more detailed, but not necessarily larger.