I Want a Telescope

Astronomical Telescopes

By: Neutronstar

Written on February 1st, 2013

Just recently we have enjoyed a series of programmes here called Stargazing Live. It rekindled my interest. Jupiter has been visible high in the night sky, and they were discussing the various moons that were visible.
I have an ornithological scope, and I set it up in my garden just to see if I could make out anything. The hard part was locating the planet in the viewfinder. There was no mistake when I did spot it. Quickly, I fixed the position and gazed upon the planet. It was not clear enough, that is large enough a magnification, to see the features in the planet clearly, although there was a suggestion of colour. What was wonderful was seeing all 4 moons.
I downloaded an app on my iPad, called JupiterMoons. It shows their positions etc.

I have not got a huge field of view in my garden, but it's not bad. In fact the nearby treeline of a wood actually helps keep out the light pollution pretty well. What is visible is good. The Milky Way is clear in good visibility conditions.

Now comes the question of what type of telescope to get. Any ideas, experiences anybody?

By: Neutronstar

Age: 56-60

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10 responses

CFOM

S&T has free downloadable sky charts, moon map and info for beginners. I guess if your interest was "rekindled" you are not a beginner.

Feb 2
2 likes
- Neutronstar
  That is true, it has always been there, but I never followed it seriously. Always too busy. But now, that is not so, well so much.
  
  Feb 2
  1 like
CFOM

Your ornithological scope probably does not have a right angle eyepiece holder so for looking overhead your neck will get sore. But if it does it is probably a good starter.
Otherwise get a small stool and extend the tripod as much as possible while still steady.Does it have a finder scope on it. That will be a big help.

Feb 2
2 likes
- Neutronstar
  It is ok for looking at the moon. It's just that objects high in the sky are a problem. No finder scope. So it was tricky.
  
  Feb 2
  1 like
CFOM

And don't forget to start your Astronomy Notebook with your observations and sketches of what you have seen.

Feb 2
2 likes
- Neutronstar
  Yes. Now this is the bit that I must get started on. It's interesting to look over them again.
  
  Feb 2
  1 like
CFOM

If you want to take photos it will need to be guide-able; can be motorized but it is possible to do it cheaply with hand controls - but not as good as motorized. The new computer controlled scopes make set-up easy but manual can be done. However the computer controlled make it easy to find new interesting targets - almost too easy. Other than my daughter's Dobson I have no experience with a reflector so have no reason to prefer reflector/refractor. I have send you some links from a couple of American magazines. Their e-newsletters could be useful. I am sure if you would want a monthly magazine to read to help you learn that you can find some great English ones with a little search.
You can see the Milky Way - that is so cool, neat-o. Where I am I have so much light pollution I am lucky to see the brighter stars in Orion. And I have a choice of my back yard with much tree cover or the front yard with street lights.
You are lucky.

Feb 2
2 likes
- Neutronstar
  I am lucky. One of the advantages of being some distance from the town. The big difference is no street lights. But the glow would be worse from it if it wasn't for the trees.
  
  Feb 2
  1 like
- Neutronstar
  Thanks for all the tips, and the links, which I will follow up. It's a great help!
  
  Feb 2
  1 like
- CFOM
  My pleasure
  
  Feb 2
  1 like

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