Chaotic Astronomy

Like I want to compare what things look like under the Orion SkyQuest XT10 and the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Telescopes

How big of a difference would it be?

It is pretty tough to describe, since it depends on a lot of related issues like light pollution, eyepieces, and your own observing skills. As Tina suggested, the only way to really compare these is to try them yourself. We can tell you that the 10 inch has roughly 36% more light gathering capability than the 8 inch, but to translate that into a level of brightness as perceived by your own eye is an exercise in futility. I personally own an 11 inch SCT with premium eyepieces, and under clear skies I can see more than most people can imagine. But some folks can look through my scope at a target that is absolutely stunning to me and see virtually nothing. They don’t quite know how to look; it takes some practice to see what is out there.

So, if I were you, I would check out the views at a local Astronomy club star party. If that is not possible, I would go with the 10 inch.

What is the difference between Astronomy and Astrophysics?
I’m so interested in this kind of area and I want to know which course is more for me.
I got the impression that Astrophysics is much more "mathsy" but I’m not overly sure of which bits are different….

astronomy is the study of the universe. astrophysics is the study of how the universe works, and the laws that take place thereof.

Detailed pictures of the original Galileo Telescopes and what they looked like when they new.We are making measurements of it for replication of it. see more detailshttp://www.scitechantiques.com/Galileo_telescope/

Duration : 0:1:38

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Technorati Tags: Galileo, replicas, Telescopes

Science video on Mars presenting VRMars Astronomy Software. The video shows panoramas and images, including the “Whale” panorama and Martian sunset, taken by NASA’s Mars Rover Spirit during the Mars Rover Mission. The video was created with the use of virtual reality science software VRMars-Spirit – The Red Planet Mars 3D, released by Sciterian Technologies, and powered by the technology VRPresents that gives an impression of being on the surface of Mars. Great astronomy video for those interested in science, and space exploration enthusiasts. Get this astronomy program at www.vrmars.com or www.vrmars.com/VRMars-Spirit-The-Red-Planet-Mars-3D.htm , and enjoy roving Mars. See the planet like you were one of the Mars Rovers at www.vrplanet.com . Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell/MSSS/USGS/OSU/Honeybee Robotics/New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science – More credits in this astronomy software.

Duration : 0:1:36

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Technorati Tags: 3D, Astronomy, aviation, computer, cosmology, Exploration, mars, Program, Rover, science, Software, space, video, VRMars, VRPresents

Just curious. It seems that for some of the more interesting stars, especially the closer ones, it might be a useful thing to have radio Telescopes focused upon them at all times. If ever we detect any appreciable amount of life on a distant planet and have indication that it might be technological, would it behoove us to launch a telescope dedicated just to that world?

The problem is to define interesting. Whatever criteria you use, there well be always dozens of stars that fall into that category. So statistically it pays better to monitor a star for a while, and then to jump to the next.

If you know of any good or great books for beginners on Astronomy, please help me out. Thank you.

I believe one of the best for great reading and to help find deep space objects is "Turn Right at Orion".

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738205176/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0521781906&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Q96A4WE47KEZEH7Z8MT

In this 1994 video John Dobson reviews his life of sidewalk Astronomy and makes the case for amateurs going public with their scopes. Includes clips from his telescope making and cosmology classes.

Duration : 0:9:19

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Technorati Tags: Astronomy, dobson, john, making, sidewalk, telescope

A good basic introduction to what spectroscopy is and how it’s used in Astronomy.

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectroscopy and so on for more detailed information.

Duration : 0:9:59

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Technorati Tags: Astronomy, spectrograph, spectrometry