What You Need to Know About Telescopes
You're not alone if you've ever stared up at the sky and wondered what's out there; every day, many professional and amateur astronomers pick their telescope and point it towards the sky. The only problem is that astronomy is a complicated subject, and if you have not got the right telescope, you're likely to have a disappointing experience. The Celestron 21023 Cometron FirstScope is highly recommended.
This guide will help you make the right choice out of the numerous telescope choices to get that heavenly experience that you desire.
Factors to consider before buying a telescope
Type
The three telescope designs employ various optics to achieve the same goal: making distant objects appear larger and brighter than they appear to the naked eye. These types are the Refractor, the Reflector, and the Compound.
The refractor offers better image quality, low maintenance but is more expensive. Reflectors use a mirror at the back of the main tube to collect light. These are the least price for a given aperture, but you'll have to change the optical alignment from time to time. Lastly, the Compound (or catadioptric) telescopes, which combine camera lenses and mirrors, have small tubes and are comparatively lightweight.
Aperture
This factor is more essential than any other feature in determining how much you'll be able to see with the telescope. In almost every case, a larger aperture is preferable. A large aperture telescope allows more light to flow into the eyepiece, which results in greater image clarity for faint objects. If you're on a budget, strive to acquire the largest aperture you can afford because it will make a significant difference in image quality.
Mount
Something sturdy will be required to support your telescope. Many telescopes come with tripods or mounts, while some smaller scopes only have a mounting block that allows mounting them to a camera tripod with a single screw. Manufacturers avoid single-screw attachment blocks in favor of bigger, more durable rings or plates on mounts made expressly for telescopes. Note that a camera tripod might not be stable enough for telescopes.
Applications of Telescopes
To view distant planetary bodies
The telescopes bring the heavens closer to us. With these instruments, we can observe certain planetary bodies and see them as if they are very near. This helps in studying how these bodies behave.
To record light over a long period
As humans, we cannot expose our eyes to the light for a long period as it can affect our vision. However, using electronic detectors or photographic films, these telescopes can record light that is light years away from earth. This helps us study changes in the sun and other planetary bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best telescope size?
You can measure a telescope's size in different ways. The most common method is via the aperture. This is commonly expressed in inches; for example, an 8-inch telescope will have an 8-inch aperture. The greater the aperture, the more light the objective collects and the better the image.
Can I use a telescope to gaze at the sun?
Because of the strength of the sun's rays, direct observation of the sun is risky. For easier viewing, a telescope can display an image of the sun onto a white screen or paper. Alternatively, you can get a solar filter for your telescope, which will block out the majority of the sun's light.
Conclusion
Any telescope can practically open your eyes to a whole new world of celestial wonders. With a little thought put into choosing the proper type of telescope, you can get a lifetime of stargazing! Thankfully, this guide streamlines your choices and points you in the right direction.