The first step to using a telescope is to become familiar with it. Any good telescope should come with easy-to-follow instructions on how to set it up. Before venturing out into the night, become familiar with how to assemble and disassemble your telescope. Also familiarize yourself with the different settings and go through the instructions on how to polarize the axes and adjustments of the mount. This isn't something to be done while outside at night, because of the lack of visual range and it will cut into viewing time. Read more...
For most astrological observing, the image orientated doesn't matter. However, it is something an astronomy has to get use to. Refractor and Cassegrain telescopes an inverted image, or one that that is upside-down. There are some star atlases which are printed with the south at the top to compensate for this. One will find that an inverted image is also the case with a straight-through finder scope. The invert image has been an issue with telescopes ranging all the way back to the first, with Galileo, but there have been advances which provide erecting prism diagonals which right the problem. Read more...
An astronomical telescope has an objective lens, whose job it is to gather light and create a sharp, and well focused image. A telescope is also made of an eyepiece, which can be more but is generally several lenses, that has a job to magnify a viewed object. The relay lens system is what creates an erect viewed image, as oppose to an inverted or mirrored image. The use of this lens system has resulted in telescopes that are longer but the system also assisted with the magnification variation of the telescope. At least, that is how it worked in the older days. Now a prism is used to right the image. Read more...
The function of an eyepiece is to gather as much light from the viewed body in order to create a clear image. The type of eyepiece one needs depends on the f-ratio of the telescope. For instance, an f/10 telescope does not require any particular eyepiece in order to create a good image but a f/4 will need a specific kind. Read more...
There are several different filters which one can purchase in addition to their eyepiece. Each filter provides a different bonus which is not necessary to astrological viewing but can enhance the experience. Filters screw onto the barrel of the eyepiece and provide different viewing options. Read more...
There are two types of mounts that are used for amateur telescopes. One being the Altazimuth and the other being Equatorial. There is a subtype of the Altazimuth mount that is referred to as a Dobsonian Mount. The Dobsonian Mount is made from wood and is short in stature. Additionally, it is very sturdy and can hold large telescopes, like the Newtonian reflector. There are teflon, or similar low-friction material, used on the bearing to make the adjustments of the telescope's position smooth. Read more...
Polar alignment is essential to astrophotography, but when it comes to general viewing an approximation is adequate. A good telescope should come with information on how to set up polar alignment but it can be difficult to understand for the beginning astronomer. Polar alignment is nothing more than aligning the mount, and essentially the telescope, with the Earth's axis. Read more...
Astrophotography or astro imaging tends to spark the curiosity of most hobbyists sooner or later. Some people choose to use a standard web camera for astrophotography but an SLR camera is ideal. The camera should have a B or T setting for shutter control and a cable release. If one wishes to get longer trails on their photos they may wish for a longer exposure time. Also, the exposure for astrophotography depends on the darkness of the sky. Read more...
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