Does anyone have any experience with amateur astronomy and telescopes? I enjoy looking at the moon, stars and planets and have been considering buying a telescope. I have no idea what kind reflecting vs refracting, power etc. I don't want to spend a fortune on one, just enough to be able to see the good stuff. Anyone have any suggestions?
You should get a reflector. Try to get the biggest mirror size you can afford, but of it's bigger than 6", make sure you also get a clock drive for it (if you don't, by the time you focus on something, it will be out of the field of view due to the Earth's rotation). Also, subscribe to "Sky and Telescope" magazine. Every month, they will tell you the best views for that month.
I took an astronomy class in the community college and got an A for grade. I learned and enjoyed it a lot. Our professor set up several telescope on the roof of the college building (yeah, pretty high!) and boy, it was awesome to see some planets and moon. You could try contact the museum or community college and see if they offer a basic astronomy class for a small fee, or perhaps free.
I agree with Clif. Your best choice would be a reflector and going for the biggest size you can afford. Something between a 4" and 8" is ideal for backyard viewing. I wouldn't recommend going over 8" unless you want to lug around a big heavy scope and put a dent in your wallet. Call me old school if you want, but if you want to learn the stars and sky, go with a manual. The motorized ones make it too easy by just punching in a object number and going right to it. A good starting scope would be the Orion StarBlast, it's under $200. It's a 4 1/2" manual scope and works great. The laser finder on it helps compensate for the lack of motor tracking by making it easy to aim your scope to whatever you want to see. Here's a link for the scope: http://www.telescope.com/control/product/~category_id=dobsonians/~product_id=09814 There's Big Bang Astronomy store over in Raleigh if you want to go check some out. Here's their site: http://www.bigbangastro.com/ A couple other sites you might want to look at.... Interactive Skychart: http://skychart.skytonight.com/observing/skychart/skychart.asp?rsif = EOF userID = Site that gives you updates of celestial happenings.... http://www.spaceweather.com/ Telescope reviews: http://www.cloudynights.com/
One question I have about reflectors is something called collimating. What is that? Do I have to align the mirrors and what not? If so, a refractor might work better for me, less work. Opinions?
A thanks from me! I'm considering a telescope from the Fat Man for Xmas... And THIS is COOOL!! http://www.telescope.com/control/pr...ets/~pcategory=science_gear/~product_id=58146
Collimation means you'll have to align the mirrors and your eyepiece. Some reflectors come factory collimated, but you'll probably have to fine tune it after you get it. It's not a difficult process, but can be frustrating if you don't get it exactly right (objects won't be as crisp). To align it, you use a collimating cap which usually will come with the scope or you can macgyver rig one using a 35mm film canister. You can also buy a laser collimating eyepiece or one called a cheshire that makes it easier. Refractors are great for looking at planets, the moon and some close nebulae, plus it's pretty much ready to use right of the box. I'd still recommend a reflector over a refractor only because you'll be able to see a lot more. Your best option would probably be to get a refractor, buy some extra eyepieces, learn what you can and then take the next step up when you're ready.
Well this is all confusing to me, but I was thinking of getting something simple for my daughter so she could see like the little dipper and all that stuff..I know when I go outside to well smoke lately I have been able to see that stuff. If she is out there I try to point them out to her and she just doesn't see them..I figured getting a telescope would be cool for her and me to do something together. sheri
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3002001&bhcd2=1195144874 It's a 4" reflector that you don't have to collimate (ever!). I grew up using this with my dad. I didn't think they made it anymore until I was looking for stuff for xmas. It may look funny but it works wonderfully. The only thing we had an issue with was that the felt on the stand gets worn out and then it'll start slowly shift out of the position. He fixed it by picking up a couple of little thin rubber strips from the hardware store and he hasn't had any problems since.
