What type of Telescope should I buy
A successful purchase of a new telescope to take your astronomy ventures to a new level is a big deal and can bring pique your interested and passion for viewing the stars. Upgrading to a new telescope may progress your interest from just fooling around with the telescope looking at stars status to someone who is a serious student of astronomy. However, just buying one will not ensure that you will automatically know how to use it. Work will be involved to get the most out of your new telescope.[ad#250x250-sq]It is very important that you get right telescope for where your skill level lies and should center on your preferences in gazing at the stars.
To aid in your selection we’ll discuss the big three kinds of telescopes so you’ll become familiar with the concepts and increase the probability of a successful purchase.
The three main telescope types available to the amateur astronomer are: 1) Refractor, 2) Reflector, and 3) the Schmidt Cassegrain telescope.
Number 1 and 2 are pretty obvious and are named for their lens type. One can gather the importance of the lens in the telescope as the type has taken on the name of the lens. The first two are named for the kind of lens that is used.
Refractor lens type Telescopes are the most simple because they utilize a convex lens for focusing light to the eyepiece. Because of this the lens shape makes an outward bend to meet this intent and purpose. The refractor telescope is best utilized for viewing planets.
The reflector lens telescope is best utilized in viewing more distant objects. To accomplish this, the reflector lens is concave and bends in. It utilizes mirrors for focusing in on the image you wish to see.
The third type of telescope is the Schmidt Cassegrain. It is able to accomplish both goals of the reflector and refractor but is much more complex utilizing mirrors to focus in on your desired image of interest.
Knowing your objectives in your pursuit of astronomy knowledge is quite important in the selection of a new telescope. One must have an understanding of weaknesses as well as the strengths of the lens and telescope design to make the correct purchase. Knowing ahead of time how your prospective telescope works and will perform will increase your enjoyment in the hobby and get the most out of your star gazing events. It is important to do your research up front. Visit shops that sell telescopes, join an Astronomy club, or even surf the internet for product reviews of various vendors products. The important part is to do it before you purchase!
If you’re able to find and visit or join an astronomy club you’ll be able to ask the knowledge of hobbyist who may near experts in astronomy. Astronomy clubs may have field trips or events where you can get the opportunity to try a few different types of telescopes to “kick the tires” before buying your own. By probing club members for information you will be able to learn the key technical parameters and factors involved in telescope design.
Some other factors to consider are related on where you plan to operate your telescope and if it has to be transported to the location where you will operate it. The supporting mechanism such as the tripod and other accessories are typically designed depending upon where it will be mounted. For example will it be located in your back yard or deck? Do you plan to take it to the top of a remote mountain location? This should be factored into your final purchase decision. Weight and mobility versus telescope performance is a trade off that should be made to include setup and tear down times.
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Based upon the mobility factor you should consider how rugged and transportable will your telescope be? Does it come with our can you buy a transit case to protect your telescope investment?
Tap into your club and internet contacts and websites for helping your research. Your hard work will result in just the right telescope for your astronomy hobby enjoyment!
Tags: Astronomy, telescope