How to choose your first telescope
Starting your astronomy adventure off right is important. A lack-luster view of the moon through a shaky department store telescope may spoil your interest in the beginning. The wonders of the Universe are waiting for you to discover them, you just need the right tool.
There is an overwhelming amount of telescope choices to choose from. First, let's take a look at the different types of telescope designs on the market today:
Types of Telescopes
- Newtonian Reflector
- Refractor
- Schmidt-Cassegrain
- Ritchey-Chretien
- Maksutov
The different types of optical telescope designs each have their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, a Newtonian reflector offers the largest aperture at an affordable price. This is why a large Dobsonian telescope is great option for beginners wishing to see more deep-sky objects.
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| Types of Telescopes - Telescopebasics.com |
Newtonian Reflectors, such as the Orion 8" Dobsonian like the one pictured below need to be collimated on a regular basis. Collimation is the act of aligning the mirrors in the tube correctly so that your image appears as sharp as possible. It's easy to learn, once you get the hang of it.
How to collimate your telescope
Refractors come in different forms, with the same basic optical layout. The very first telescopes, including the one Galileo used, was a refractor. Refractors with an Achromatic objective are much more affordable than their Apochromatic cousins. Apochramtic telescopes excel in astrophotography applications.
Schmidt-Cassegrains have become a very popular choice for astronomy observers. These telescopes have a versatile and compact design, only about twice as long as their aperture. They are also well suited for computerized mounts and astrophotography applications.
The Nexstar 6se is an example of a Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope:
How to choose the right telescope
A wide variety of retailers offer telescopes for sale online. With some homework, you will be able to make an educated decision on which telescope is right for you and your budget. The first telescope you own should be comfortable an easy to use. As the old saying goes
"The best telescope is the one that gets used the most".
It takes time to develop your observing skills to fully enjoy astronomy with your telescope. Remember, observing means long periods of time outside in the dark! Not everyone is used to the conditions required to view dim objects such as nebulae and galaxies. All unnecessary forms of light must be avoided to preserve your night vision.
Telescope Observing Tips
It takes time to develop your observing skills to fully enjoy astronomy with your telescope. Remember, observing means long periods of time outside in the dark! Not everyone is used to the conditions required to view dim objects such as nebulae and galaxies. All unnecessary forms of light must be avoided to preserve your night vision.
- Observe away from buildings and homes
- Don't observe through a window
- Let your eyes adapt to the dark sky (20 minutes)
- Observe with averted vision
Read more telescope observing tips
Astrophotography
Astrophotography is the art of capturing images of the night sky with a digital camera. Astrophotographers will connect their DSLR camera into the eyepiece of a telescope and use it as if it were a super telephoto lens. This is how images of deep-sky objects are captured by regular people from their own backyards.
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| The Whirlpool Galaxy - Astrophotography by AstroBackyard |
Most beginner telescopes will be capable of certain types of astrophotography. The most common type photographing the moon and bright planets through the eyepiece. The moon is the perfect target for beginner astrophotography enthusiasts. Once you master the art of capturing a sharp image of the moon, you can progress your skills further by attempting to capture the Planets Jupiter and Mars.
How to take images of planets with your Smartphone
Resources
Sky and Telescope:
How to choose your first telescope
DSLR Astrophotography
AstroBackyard
