The instrument that makes small distant objects visible is a telescope.

There are two main types of telescopes:

* Refracting telescopes: Use lenses to bend light and focus it on the eyepiece.

* Reflecting telescopes: Use mirrors to reflect light and focus it on the eyepiece.

Both types of telescopes are designed to gather more light from distant objects, making them appear brighter and more detailed than they would with the naked eye.