Astronomical Telescope

September 6, 2011

Bresser Galaxia Astronomical Telescope

Bresser are a well respected designer and manufacturer of telescopes for all needs and price ranges. A great example of this can be seen in the Bresser Galaxia Astronomical Telescope which oozes class and quality. The Bresser Galaxia Astronomical Telescope is a reflector telescope, which uses mirrors rather than lenses. This telescope is suitable for both terrestrial and celestial observations, although it use is best, and more popularly going to be astronomical. Using the telescope at night, one will be able to see the moons surface clearly, the rings of the planets, and distant nebulas.

The Bresser Galaxia Astronomical Telescope functions on an equatorial mount, which not only means that the hands are free, but also shows the motion of the stars and planets across the sky with clear definition. Because of the mounts design, the rotation of the earth is also taken into account. The Finderscope is a great addition, and beginners and more experienced users alike will love its ease of use.

The telescope has an aperture of 114 mm, and a magnification of some 228x, which is more than enough to enjoy the wonders of our galaxy. Included is a Barlow lens, which can double the magnification. There are teo eyepieces included, which are a K-25 (25x) and a K-6(150x). The focal length and ratio of this model are 900mm and 1:8 respectively.

Whether wanting to look at the craters of the moon in magnificent detail, or looking for stunning Nebulas, this telescope is for you. Weighing in at a mere 2Kg, it is also highly portable, and you may wish to take it with you on camping trips. The installation and setup up are very easy, with instructions provided along with everything else that you need.

If you are dreaming of being able to explore the universe from the comfort of your own home, then this telescope is just the one for you, offering great flexibility at an affordable price. Ideal for beginners or more advanced amateur astronomers alike, the manufacturers include a two year warranty, although the robust design will ensure that it gives you many, many years of fun filled enjoyment.

Tags: Astronomical-Telescope-Review, Bresser-Galaxia, Bresser-Galaxia-Astronomical-Telescope

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Sep 06

Taking the Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Telescope Out of the Box

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September 6, 2011

Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ

Celestron make a whole range of telescopes to suit every desire and budget. Their AstroMaster series boats three telescoes, but here we look at the AstroMaster 76EQ Telescope, a reflector.

The models in this series of telescopes have been designed to be compact and portable. Only the highest quality material are used, and this ensures stability whilst in use, and durability over the years. The telescope will easily suit those who wish to view both terrestrial and celestial objects, although most users will be observing the night sky. It will give a lifetime of fun and pleasure, being able to view closely the moons surface and the rings of the planets. For more distant objects such as galaxies and nebulas, it will give an overview, but they may not appear so bright as those closer planets.

Opening the box, reveals that the telescope has been well packaged. The instructions are clear and simple, and putting the telescope together is a fun and extremely easy process. The tripod unfolds straight away, and the equatorial mount fits simply with the screws provided. The counterweight bar is important, and within a few minutes the whole thing is set up and you can begin gazing at the stars.

Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ

The telescope is the reflector type of optical design, also known as the Newtonian. This replaces heavy lenses with the mirrors that collect light and focus it. It is easily maintainable, lightweight, portable and relatively cheap to buy.

Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ box

The AstroMaster 76EQ Telescope weighs in at just over 8 kgs, and is very portable. The optical tube measures 914 mm. this means that it can easily be transported in a car if, for instance, you were planning a camping trip. The optical coating is aluminium and is fully coated, and the mount type is an Equatorial CG-2. The tripod that accompanies the telescope is a 1.2” Steel Tube Legs. The equatorial mount axis rotation is aligned with the axis of rotation of the Earth, and this is known as polar alignment.

Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ

The aperture is 76 mm, which places the telescope in the more basic range. Fine for beginning amateurs and those that wish to take the telescope away on trips. The focal length and ratio are 700 mm and 9.21. The provided eyepiece is 20mm which enhances the magnification by 35x, and there is also a 10mm eyepiece with a magnification of 70x.

Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ CD

The Celestron AstroMaster 76EQ Equatorial Mount Telescope includes a finderscope in the form of a Built-on StarPointer. This is the easiest and fastest way to enable the telescope to point at a desired object. It includes a laser pointer that shines directly on to the sky. This is only a pointing tool and does not offer any magnification ability, and only works at night.

This telescope is ideally suited as either a first telescope, or a telescope tom take away on camping trips, It offers wonderful views of the moon, and by changing the eyepiece, can offer deeper insights into the universe. A nice buy.

Tags: Astronomical-Telescope-Review, Celestron-AstroMaster, Celestron-AstroMaster-76EQ

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Sep 06

Looking through the Astro Professional 90×1000 Jupiter Telescope

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Tags: Astro-Professional-90×1000-Jupiter-Telescope, Astronomical-Telescope-Review

September 6, 2011

Astro Professional 90×1000 Jupiter Telescope

Astonomy has increased in popularity over recent years, and the amateur astronomy side of it is blossoming at a steady rate, as telescopes become more affordable, and also better quality.

The German based company “Astro Professional” offers a series of quality, competitively priced telescopes, and the one that I am looking at here, is the Astro Professional 90×1000 Jupiter Telescope. This is an ideal telescope to use when studying the planets and stars. It can be best thought of as a medium telescope, and it also offers the possibility for astro-photography.

The jupitor telescope is a refractor style of scope, offering good image accuracy and optical quality. When looking through this scope, it presents sharp images of star clusters, the belt of Jupiter and the Moons craters for example. It is very easy to install and operate, and it is a sturdy device which will last many years of happy use. The white body has a shiny though not glossy finish, and when not in use, would make a great show piece in the living room!

The telescope has a 1000 mm focal length, and a 90mm aperture, and the lens gives a perfect image of colour and light, giving a great viewing experience.

It is simple to install straight out of the box, and the instructions are easy to follow. Within minutes, you will be observing the heavens! There is an aluminium tripod which is fully adjustable, and also a finder scope which will help to locate an object and then keep track of it.

The telescope come with two eyepieces, at 9mm and 20mm, bringing the objects much closer and offering great image accuracy and quality. There is an option to buy a motor drive and hand controller, but this is not included with the model. Perhaps if you are thinking of astro-photography this might be a nice additional purchase.

As well as star axing, this model also offers the possibility of great land viewing (if you are high with a clear view all around you).

The tripod is made of sturdy metal, and the telescope is well designed and durable. The whole setup is is great value for money, and will last many years of good service whilst gazing at the wonder of the universe. This is an ideal telescope for astronomers‘, students or researchers.

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Sep 06

Investigating the Sky with the Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Astronomy Telescope

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September 6, 2011

Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT

The Celestron Nexstar 60SLT Refractor Telescope possesses a nice computerized function and can be used for both terrestrial and celestial observation. The 60mm refractor optical design iis engineered with quality in mind, and has a fully computerized hand control. The Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Telescope is also supplied with a computerized altazimuth mount which is pre assembled, and an adjustable stainless steel tripod. These features, and the quick release fork arm mount, the optical tube and accessory tray all add greatly to the comfort of use of the telescope.

Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT

With a database of over 4000 celestial objects, the computerization of the Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Telescope makes finding specific objects in the night sky a breeze. In combination with the StarPointer Finderscope, which emit’s a red LED light to pinpoint stars, this is really a simple to use and fun telescope. Although the Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Telescope acquires information from overhead satellites, and downloads the information like time, date, location etc, you will never need to know this. It just works perfectly and responsively, like a good product should do.

The Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Telescope, because of its computerized functions, needs 8AA batteries, or an AC adapter. Using the batteries, it makes it possible to use the telescope in other locations.

The aperture is 60mm, which is at the lower end of the mid range, although more than suitable for most terrestrial and celestial observations. The focal length of the Celestron Nexstar 60 SLT Telescope is 700mm with a focal ratio of 11.67. The lens has a full optical coating.

This telescope is a high performing product, with many wonderful stand out features, and yet is also affordable. The computer software akes for fun evenings tracking down little known objects in the sky, and it should provide many years of fun filled enjoyment. It comes with a two year warranty.

Tags: Astronomical-Telescope-Review, Celestron-Nexstar-60-SLT

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Sep 06

Exploring the Universe With The Meade ETX-90PE Astronomical Telescope

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September 6, 2011

Meade ETX-90PE

One of the nice features of the telescope is the SmartFinder which automatically levels the telescope. Using the red dot over the wide field greatly improves the accuracy of spotting and tracking an object.

In times past, locating an object might have been time consuming, and involve flicking through books, and trying to move the telescope around with accuracy. The Meade makes this all simple with just the push of a button. The Autostar has a database of over 30,000 celestial objects which can suit beginners and more experienced astronomers alike. With that push of a button, it hones in simply.

The Meade telescope comes with an attractive blue coloured tune, and its aperture is 90mm, which is a step above the most basic models. The optical design of Meade ETX 90PE Telescope is a Maksutov-Cassegrain. The Meade ETX 90PE Telescope has a focal length of 1250mm with the focal ratio of 13.8. Included with Meade Telescope is the tripod, the software, PC interface cable and UHTC.

Tags: Astronomical-Telescope-Review, Meade-ETX-90PE

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Sep 06

A Closer look at the Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500 Telescope

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September 6, 2011

Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500

The Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500 Telescope is in the Newton Reflector class of telescope that is designed with the use of mirrors. This is a compact telescope, weighing no more than 8Kg, and is suitable not only for beginners, but could also be classed as a potable telescope. Perhaps best for those just dipping their first toe into the waters of astronomy, the telescope is ideal for things such as studying the rings of Saturn, looking at star formations, and studying the surface of the moon. This model has some outstanding features for its size, and offers a great deal at an affordable price.

Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500

The aperture is a respectable 114mm, and so falls into the medium class of telescope. As a telescope for beginners, this offers quite a nice viewing quality whilst not breaking the bank. As a portable telescope, it is respectable indeed.

Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500

The focal length is 500mm, and the ratio being 4.4. The eyepiece that is supplied is 1.25”, which gives a maximum magnification of 228.

The telescope come with a mount and tripod, which is hugely useful for prolonged periods of star gazing. It is fully adjustable to give almost any angle that you would desire. There is also a finder scope of 5 x 24 which is an invaluable asset in tracking celestial objects.

The other technical advantages of this device are the slow motion control RA & DEC that performs the observation and the study in a detailed manner. The faintest star that can be visible is in the magnitude of 12.4, while the resolving power is 1 arc second.

Bynolyt Bynostar SPN 114/500 Compact Telescope is an intermediate level telescope, which offers the beginning amateur astronomer a great way to view the stars and night sky. It also may appeal to those folks looking for a portable telescope.

Tags: Astronomical-Telescope-Review, Bynolyt-Bynostar-SPN-114/500

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Sep 06

Selecting a Portable Astronomy Telescope

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September 6, 2011

Portable Astronomy Telescope

A telescope brings you closer to the heavens, and opens up the wonders of the universe. If you are a real enthusiast, you may want to consider a telescope that you can take with you when you travel. One issue, though, is that most telescopes simply are not portable, making it difficult to visit new places and see new horizons. There are a few portable telescopes out there if you look for them hard enough though.

When thinking of buying a portable telescope, there are some things that you may want to think about.

1. A decent portable telescope will cost somewhere in the region of $100-$150. This will give you a reasonable quality telescope for the money,

2. Consider selecting a telescope that will work with astronomy software, that way you would be able to connect it to a laptop in the field.

3. Choose a portable telescope that is modular and can take additional components like camera attachments. Then you would be able to take photos of the night sky while you travel. For enthusiasts crossing hemispheres this is a nice touch.

4. A lens aperture of 70 mm would be a good move, but may be a little pricier. It will enable you to see things more clearly than the smaller ones.

5. A case is most important if you have a portable telescope, to protect it whilst you travel. Some portable telescopes will come with a case, but if yours does not, you should consider buying one before taking it anywhere.

6. If your family are interested in astronomy as well, then buy a telescope suitable for everyone.

7. If on a tight budget, consider buying astronomy binoculars, as they offer acceptable magnification and are cheaper.

Hints and Tips

Always place the lens cap on whenever you're not using the portable telescope. The mirrors and lenses are incredibly sensitive, and sometimes all it takes is a little dust to scratch the surfaces.

NEVER use a telescope to look at the sun. It will seriously damage your eyes.

Tags: Astronomy-Telescope, portable, Portable-Astronomy-Telescope

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Sep 06

Getting Started in Astronomy – Astronomy Telescopes

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September 6, 2011

Astronomy Telescope

Astronomy is a captivating pastime. An astronomy telescope, enables you to take part in science, but also have fun whilst doing it. Astronomy can be a life long infatuation, and a good astronomy telescope will assist in getting many happy years in astronomy. This article will reveal a little more about what is needed to get started in astronomy.

Things you may need to get started in astronomy:

1. A Star atlas
2. An astronomy telescope
3. Practical astronomy book
4. Notebook

Star Atlas

A star atlas is basically a map of the stars. If you want to know what to look at and where it is, this is what you need.

An astronomy telescope

Astronomy telescopes are an important part of astronomy. Astronomy telescopes are scientific instruments, and work by gathering light. As the human eye can only gather so much light, telescopes were created to gather more light, and focus it in a way that could then be seen.

Getting started in astronomy may begin with the naked eye or binoculars, but you will feel you have really begun when you buy your first telescope. Finding a telescope can be as easy as going online, or visiting a catalogue store, but the better telescopes will need some researching about and locating.

From between $200-$500 you can buy a good Meade telescope, Orion telescope, or Celestron telescope, all of whom are great manufacturers. A telescope like this will last for many years.

Practical astronomy book

A book like this will help you understand things such as using a telescope, and the best time to see certain planets and stars.

Notebook

This is handy to either make sketches of things you see through the telescope, or make notes. You will be able to look back over the course of months and years to see developments in stars and they are useful if you spot meteors.

Tags: Astronomy, Astronomy-Telescopes

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Sep 06

Get Started in Amateur Astronomy – Some Ideas

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September 6, 2011

Astronomy

If you are interested in learning about astronomy, you may want to read this article for some ideas…

People of all ages are drawn to astronomy. Perhaps you saw the amazing pictures from the Hubble telescope, or others photos taken by amateurs and professionals alike. It may be these photos that have inspired you to look further.

Firstly, I would say don’t shoot for the moon… Pardon the pun! Those photos look amazing, but please don’t expect to see that through a telescope eyepiece. If you are looking at the moon, you WILL see many rich details, but the human eye alone is not capable of reproducing the photo quality picture of the universe that we see published from time to time.

Most galaxies will appear in the telescope eyepiece as “faint fuzzies”. (Yes, like other fields, astronomy has its own terms… that is term number one to learn!). Globular clusters and open clusters look much more appealing through the telescope, but again, don’t expect the quality of a long exposure photograph. That is not to say that looking at the universe through a telescope isn’t amazing, because it is!!

Secondly, if you are new to astronomy, don’t start with buying a telescope. Ok, that may sound a little strange, but what you really need are a quality pair of binoculars at first, with a range something like 12x60. This will open up the galaxy to you at an affordable price, and also, you will be able to drive to areas where the neon glare of the city is far less, ad observe from different places. A plan sphere would be a good purchase at this point as well. Buy one as close to your latitude as possible, and begin to learn the sky from it. An observing book might be a nice idea as well.

Next task is to locate an amateur astronomy group in your area. You will be able to learn a lot from the people there, and don’t be afraid to ask “noob” questions.

Consider getting books on astronomy from the library, and perhaps subscribing to an astronomy magazine. The magazine will feature monthly charts, and will make mention of comets etc. These magazines will also have equipment reviews, and may also have a classifieds section where you may be able to pick up second hand gear at a reasonable price.

Let a couple of months pass as you accumulate knowledge. At this point, it is probably time to get a telescope. By now, after asking questions at the club, and reading the magazine, you will have a far better idea of what telescope will best suit your needs in regards to your location, aspirations, budget and storage space etc. I would strongly suggest against just buying an offer telescope from the local Mega Hyper Mart!

I hope these hints and tips will give you some idea of how to approach the fascinating hobby of astronomy. Just one more thing - NEVER look directly at the sun with a telescope, binoculars or even the naked eye. NEVER !

Tags: Amateur-Astronomy, Astronomy

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Sep 06

Choosing a Telescope – Some Advice

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September 6, 2011

telescope 300x225 Choosing a Telescope Some Advice

choosing telescope

Before purchasing a new telescope, one of the most important things to take into consideration, especially if you are new to astronomy, is what exactly you intend to use the telescope for. The physical properties of a telescope are going to be determined by your needs.

Two of the most important things when buying an astronomical telescope, are the aperture (which is the diameter of the primary lens or mirror) and the focal length (which is the distance from the primary lens or mirror to the place where the image is formed). A bit of mathematics will help you to calculate the values of these variables and help you to make the correct choice of telescope to buy.

The Telescope Aperture

The telescope aperture is what is normally described as the physical 'size' of the telescope. The larger the aperture, the better the ability of the telescope to gather light. As an example, the aperture for a really useful first telescope would be at least 100mm for a refracting telescope, or 150mm for a reflecting telescope. When we use these figures, we can work out how distant or faint an object an observer would be able to see.

The entrance pupil of the human eye can be almost 8mm in diameter when totally adapted to the dark. This is equivalent to an area of 50 square millimetres (50mm 2). A refracting telescope which has an aperture of 100mm in diameter has an area equivalent to approximately 7850mm 2.

The 100mm aperture telescope is therefore capable of collecting 7850/50 = 157x more light, which is available through the telescope eyepiece. Put simply, looking through the telescope would let he user see objects which are 157 times fainter than could be otherwise seen with the unaided eye.

Using the same calculation, the 150mm aperture reflecting telescope would therefore let the same observer to view objects that were 353 times fainter than could be seen with the unaided eye.

Obviously, if you want to see faint star fields or galaxies and nebulae, then a telescope with a bigger aperture is better. If you have a certain object in mind which you would like to view, then knowing how faint it is would allow you to then 'work backwards' with the above calculation, and seeif the telescope you have would be good enough.

Telescope Focal Length and Magnification

The focal length of the telescope is representative of either the physical 'length' of the telescope, or its optical configuration. A short focal length will present a wide field of view, with the objects in that field of view appearing small, whereas a long focal length will give a narrow field of view, but with the objects appearing larger.

The magnification of the telescope is the result of a combination of the focal length of the telescope itself, and focal length of the telescope eyepiece. A telescope of a certain focal length will produce an image of a certain size, which is fixed and will not vary. The eyepiece, effectively used as a microscope, then views that image. A larger image to start with allows the eyepiece to produce a higher magnification. So, by changing the eyepiece, the magnification of the telescope can also be changed.

For example, a recommended focal length for either a refracting or reflecting telescope would be at least 1000mm.

Using this figure, we can then calculate the following:

An eyepiece of long focal length, say 25mm, will produce a magnification of 1000/25 = 40x.

An eyepiece of short focal length, say 10mm, will produce a magnification of 1000/10 = 100x.

Using the same calculation, the same eyepieces used on a telescope having a focal length of 1500mm would give magnifications of 60x and 150x respectively.

Telescopes with long focal length are ideal for observing the craters on the moon or the features of the brighter planets.

Tags: choosing-astronomical-telescope, Choosing-Telescope