Telescopes and Astronomy
Tips for buying a telescope from an astronomer with experience
Telescopes are popular gifts for Christmas, birthdays or other occasions … but the buyer beware!
Many people live to regret their decisions to buy a telescope, either because they bought a cheap telescope underperforms, or because they paid too much a telescope that is rarely used.
But armed with the right advice, smart shoppers can buy a good quality telescope for a few hundred dollars.
First, whatever you do, do not buy a telescope from a department store or pharmacy! Telescopes you’ll find there, while cheaper, are often of very poor quality.
They are suitable for a child in grade school: If the child is broken, you’re out only a modest amount of money. But if you are shopping for a teenager or adult, shop at a store that specializes in telescopes, or buy online. Good brands include Antares telescope, Orion, Celestron, and Meade.
While there are several types of telescopes, most beginners would do well to buy what is called a “Dobsonian” telescope. Dobsonian Telescopes (O “Dobs”) are relatively inexpensive, yet high quality telescopes. In general terms, have no high-tech computer gadgets in them. However, the optics are as good as the vast majority of computerized telescopes that cost thousands of dollars.
Once you gain some experience in using a Dob – and if you finally decide to make astronomy a serious hobby – you might one day buy a more expensive, “Schmidt-Cassegrain” or “apochromatic refractor telescope.” But start with a Dob!
Astronomers compare telescopes mainly by the diameter of the main (primary) mirrors. This is known as the “opening” of the telescope. You want to get a Dob with an opening of 6 inches (150 mm), 8 inches (203 mm) or 10 inches (254 mm).
If you can afford it, buy either a version of 8 or 10 inches: The larger the diameter of the mirror, the easier it is for you can see faint objects (like galaxies and nebulae) in the night sky. Prices range from approximately $ 230 USD for 6-inch openings at $ 500 USD for openings 10 inches.
The telescope should come with two or three eye: If not, shop elsewhere. We will use the eye to control the increase of the telescope. For example, with an eye in the telescope, you can see the entire surface of the moon. However, with the other eye, you can zoom in on a crater.
Also, consider purchasing of the following accessories:
- Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe – A really good book introduction by the author Terence Dickinson;
- A subscription to Astronomy magazine – a monthly publication with beautiful photos, a guide to the night sky, product reviews and the latest news in astronomy;
- Some astronomy software – as the name of a star LiveVirtual Planetarium software;
- A world map – Use this simple, lightweight, handheld device to identify the constellations and the main stars in the night sky;
- A cheap pair of binoculars – These are good to help you navigate through the sky of the night as the search of a galaxy, nebula, or star observed through his telescope, and
- A Telrad – Most telescopes come with a tiny telescope, called the search “,” mounted on the top of the main telescope. As its name implies, a search engine helps you find the astronomical object you are looking through your main telescope. But most astronomers prefer to use a Telrad – operated battery-device that projects a red target in the night sky. It is much easier to point a telescope with a Telrad that a search engine.
These tools will help you learn the constellations, and otherwise help you get started in astronomy. Also, consider joining a local astronomy club where can gain experience with different types of telescopes, and get help learning the night sky.
Happy stargazing!
How to Buy a Telescope : Binoculars for Astronomy
|
|
50 Lessions on ETX * The parts that make up the ETX telescope. * The optical path, from the Maksutov corrective lens to the primary and flip mirrors. * How to carry out basic and advanced set-up procedures. * How to regulate motors and correct periodic errors. * How to manage and update the AutoStar hand controller. * How to acquire expertise utilizing the virtual model and learn how to find all of its function… |
|
|
Meade NG-70SPR Altazimuth Refractor Telescope – Silver (20215) $62.97 Some of the world’s top astronomers got started with a telescope just like this one – and so will you. A quality refracting telescope for land or sky viewing. It’s perfect for observing the moon, planets and land objects like mountains, trees and wildlife…. |
|
|
Meade 70AZ-A Telescope $49.95 The world’s top astronomers got started with a telescope just like this one, and so will you. A quality refracting telescope for land or sky viewing. Perfect for observing Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon, and land objects. A first look at the rings of Saturn or the craters of the Moon can inspire a lifetime of exploration. Go to any star party anywhere in the world and you’ll see more Meade telescopes t… |
|
|
Meade Altazimuth Reflector Telescope (DS-2130ATS-LNT) $299.00 Includes SP26mm and SP9.7mm 1.25 Inch eyepieces Upgraded Red Dot Smart Finder Go-To Altazimuth DS2000 Generation II Mount Free planetarium software Tripod: Quick release adjustable aluminum tripod assembly with accessory shelf…. |
|
|
Meade Green Laser Pointer Point out the universe with a Meade Green Laser PointerWhen observing the night sky with friends it’s easy to get lost in a myriad of stars. Using Meade’s new Green Laser Pointer it’s easy to point out objects for all to see. The 5mW laser pointer shines a tight green beam of light that pinpoints the stars overhead. Trace the constellations point out bright stars and spot planets with ease. This i… |
|
|
Meade Green Laser Pointer Point out the universe with a Meade Green Laser PointerWhen observing the night sky with friends it’s easy to get lost in a myriad of stars. Using Meade’s new Green Laser Pointer it’s easy to point out objects for all to see. The 5mW laser pointer shines a tight green beam of light that pinpoints the stars overhead. Trace the constellations point out bright stars and spot planets with ease. This i… |
|
|
Spec Telescope W/ Bkpack mfr: MEADE SPEC TELESCOPE W/ BACKPACK This item cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses… |
|
|
Meade Rb-60 / 70055Lf 60Mm A-Series Altazimuth Refractor Telescope $62.97 Meade 60 mm TeleStar Telescope, Bring the heavens into focus! SAVE BIG! All the great astronomers started somewhere. Here’s a great way for you to start… with top-quality Meade optics on your side. See Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, countless stars, nebulas and other celestial objects like never before. Even take a look at the “Man in the Moon” (hint: he’s really just a part of the Imbrium Basin)… |
|
|
Meade #505 Connector Cable Set for #497 Autostar (ETX-90,105,125). $24.00 The #505 Connector Cable Set provides access to three Autostar operations: Telescope Control: Use a personal computer (PC) to directly control a Meade Autostar-compatible telescope through the use of an astronomical software program with telescope control capabilities such as Meade Epoch 2000sk Sky Software. Download from a PC: Download a new version of the Autostar software or object inform… |
|
|
Meade 64ST T Adapter $19.99 The #64ST Photo Adapter (T-Adapter) transforms your ETX 60 or 70 telescope into a powerful telephoto lens for spectacular photographs. Simply flip the telescope’s internal mirror to the straight-through position and thread a T-Mount for your brand of 35mm camera to the Photo Adapter. Then you’re all set to begin photographic exploration of the sky in all its majesty. (T-mount sold separately)… |
Comments on this entry are closed.