Where to buy a telescope
What magnification telescope do I need to see planets?
Experienced planetary observers use 20x to 30x per inch of aperture to see the most planetary detail. Double-star observers go higher, up to 50x per inch (which corresponds to a ½-mm exit pupil). Beyond this, telescope magnification power and eye limitations degrade the view.
How much do real telescopes cost?
A good telescope can cost anywhere from $200 to $8000 US dollars. Depending on if you are just starting out or if you are looking for a professional telescope, prices will differ. The characteristics of a good telescope will be defined by the intended use and the needs of a particular user.
Which telescope is better for viewing planets?
Both refractor and reflector telescopes are best for viewing planets. A good quality telescope with an aperture of 3.5” to 6” will give a beginner great views.
What telescope should a beginner buy?
The Celestron AstroMaster 102AZ is a classic-looking refractor telescope. It’s a simple to use, no-frills telescope for those who are want to learn their way around the night sky without relying on technology. This telescope is a must for beginners as it’s easy to assemble and easy to use.
How powerful does a telescope have to be to see the rings of Saturn?
25x
The rings of Saturn should be visible in even the smallest telescope at 25x [magnified by 25 times]. A good 3-inch scope at 50x [magnified by 50 times] can show them as a separate structure detached on all sides from the ball of the planet.
How much should I spend on my first telescope?
But there’s no one “perfect” telescope — just as there’s no such thing as a perfect car. Instead, you should choose a telescope based on your observing interests, lifestyle, and budget. Many (arguably most) good starter scopes cost $400 or more, though some superb choices are available for under $250.
Are telescopes worth it?
Telescopes are a useful tool, but they do not teach you the night sky. Often, they can be frustrating if you get one before you’re ready. We recommend starting with a sky map to build some familiarity. Learn a few constellations, watch for the Moon’s changing phases, and find a planet if any are visible.
Can you see planets with a telescope during the day?
Yes you can see them, although you will need a telescope. Using the same techniques as for the planets it is possible to view a few of the brightest stars during daytime, making for a fun and unusual project.
How do I buy my first telescope?
To determine what type of stargazing a telescope is best for, look at its f-ratio. The f-ratio is the telescope’s focal length divided by its aperture. For a telescope with a 900-mm focal length and a 70-mm aperture, this gives an f-ratio of 12.9 or f/12.9.
Do I need an expensive telescope to enjoy astronomy?
Many people hesitate to get involved with astronomy because they believe it requires expensive equipment. The only thing you really need to enjoy the night sky is your eyes, a dark viewing location, and some patience. To get a better look at things, a pair of binoculars can provide a really good view.
Which is better 60mm or 70mm telescope?
Telescopes with a longer focal length provide greater magnification using any given eyepiece.
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Telescope Features.
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Telescope Features.
| Aperture Diameter | Light Gathering Ability |
|---|---|
| 60 mm | 70 times the unaided human eye |
| 70 mm | 100 times the unaided human eye |
What can you see with a 500mm telescope?
lunar image
A 500mm telescope will yield a lunar image that’s about 5mm across in a DSLR camera with a full-frame, 35mm-format sensor; a 1,500mm telescope will produce a 14mm image, and a 2,000mm telescope results in an 18mm image.
What are the 3 main types of telescopes?
There are three main types of telescope. These are refracting telescopes, Newtonian telescopes and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes.
What can I see with a 700mm telescope?
With a 70mm telescope, you will easily be able to see every planet in the Solar System. You will also be able to take a great look at the Moon and clearly distinguish most of its recognizable features and craters. Mars will look great.
What can you see with a 90mm telescope?
A 90mm telescope will provide you with a clear view of the Saturn along with its rings, Uranus, Neptune, and Jupiter with its Great Red Spot. You can also expect to see stars with 12 stellar magnitude with a 90mm telescope.
What is the farthest planet you can see with a telescope?
Pluto, the ninth planet in our solar system, was not discovered until 1930 and remains a very difficult world to observe because it’s so far away. At an average distance of 2.7 billion miles from the Earth, Pluto is a dim speck of light in even the largest of our telescopes.
Is a 70mm telescope worth it?
A 70mm telescope is a great starting point for beginners as well as more intermediate astronomers. You can have a decent view of almost all of the prominent objects in the night sky seen from the earth.
What can you see with a 12 inch telescope?
12-inch Telescopes offer exceptional resolution for their size. They can resolve double stars at . 38 arcseconds and can be magnified up to 610 times the human eye. 12″ Optical tubes also make exceptional light gatherers by allowing an observer to see 16.2 magnitude stars!
Are Saxon telescopes any good?
The Saxon Velocity 2001EQ5 Reflector Telescope is an extremely powerful for a low price. Out of the box, this telescope will produce glorious views of planets, the Moon’s craters, nebulae and galaxies. This telescope is great on its own, but very upgradable.
What can you see with a 130mm telescope?
130mm (5in) to 200mm (8in) or equivalent
b) Stars: double stars separated by about 1 arc second in good seeing, and some faint stars down to magnitude 13 or better. c) Deep Sky Objects: hundreds of star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies (with hints of spiral structure visible in some galaxies).