Buying a telescope is easy! Especially when you have help. If you want to learn a little about telescopes and space, this "Telescopes 101" guide should get your mind grounded before you start exploring the stars. So let's learn. . . .
Telescopes make space objects look brighter
That's basically it, and it's the most important thing about telescopes. Telescopes gather light from space,and blast it into your eyes so you can get a fabulous, astonishing look at star clusters, dual-star systems, distant galaxies, and details of the Moon or Saturn's rings in ways you can never see with the naked eye because the objects are too small and way to dark.
That's basically it, and it's the most important thing about telescopes. Telescopes gather light from space,and blast it into your eyes so you can get a fabulous, astonishing look at star clusters, dual-star systems, distant galaxies, and details of the Moon or Saturn's rings in ways you can never see with the naked eye because the objects are too small and way to dark.
Telescopes make space objects look bigger too
Yes, telescopes magnify objects, that's true. But magnification is really not that important. Just a little bit of magnification is enough to see all kinds of great space stuff. But boosting light gathering power is where it's at in buying a telescope The more light you can suck down from the sky, the more you'll see. Don't worry about magnification, just all telescopes have enough of that -- go for the light gathering power.
Yes, telescopes magnify objects, that's true. But magnification is really not that important. Just a little bit of magnification is enough to see all kinds of great space stuff. But boosting light gathering power is where it's at in buying a telescope The more light you can suck down from the sky, the more you'll see. Don't worry about magnification, just all telescopes have enough of that -- go for the light gathering power.
Bigger is better
At least in telescopes, that's true. The bigger the main opening of the tube, then the more light the telescope can collect. More light means you see more. The size of the telescope's main opening is called the 'aperture" and it is typically measured in inches or millimeters. In just about all cases, the larger the aperture, or opening, the better the space viewing will be. Our biggest telescope has an 8" opening and is great for backyard observing.
At least in telescopes, that's true. The bigger the main opening of the tube, then the more light the telescope can collect. More light means you see more. The size of the telescope's main opening is called the 'aperture" and it is typically measured in inches or millimeters. In just about all cases, the larger the aperture, or opening, the better the space viewing will be. Our biggest telescope has an 8" opening and is great for backyard observing.
How does it all work? Well, telescopes gather straight beams of light and focus them on a single point. This magnifies what you're looking at and makes it seem larger and brighter. Telescopes either use a round, bowl shaped mirror to focus the light, or a glass lens to do the job, or a combination of both. Depending on what you're looking for, you might consider one or the other.
Need some advice on which is the best scope to buy?
Kids 6 - 11
Smaller and simpler telescopes that anyone can use. Of course, very young children are going to need supervision with any telescope, but these telescopes are so easy to use that even the youngest children will have a great time exploring the universe.
80mm Portable Telescopes: no doubt this is the best telescope for young kids. Portable, light-weight, and easy to set up, this telescope is not just a toy. It provides very nice views of the Moon, Saturn's rings, Jupiter and much more. Plus it is ideal for daytime use -- you'd be surprised the fun things your kids will do with the scopes during the day! Comes with a carrying case.
50mm Telescope: if you're on a tight budget, consider a basic 50mm telescope. This is the "classic" first scope for a young child, and is fairly light weight and easy to handle. Comes included with a full-size tripod, so the little ones may need some help setting
Smaller and simpler telescopes that anyone can use. Of course, very young children are going to need supervision with any telescope, but these telescopes are so easy to use that even the youngest children will have a great time exploring the universe.
80mm Portable Telescopes: no doubt this is the best telescope for young kids. Portable, light-weight, and easy to set up, this telescope is not just a toy. It provides very nice views of the Moon, Saturn's rings, Jupiter and much more. Plus it is ideal for daytime use -- you'd be surprised the fun things your kids will do with the scopes during the day! Comes with a carrying case.
50mm Telescope: if you're on a tight budget, consider a basic 50mm telescope. This is the "classic" first scope for a young child, and is fairly light weight and easy to handle. Comes included with a full-size tripod, so the little ones may need some help setting
Kids 11 - 13
For older kids there are more options. The trick here is to get a scope you're older children will use and learn to love, without buying something so big and complex that they'll put it in the closet and never use it again. The scopes we highlight here are easy-to use, yet still powerful enough to give great eye-popping space views.
For older kids there are more options. The trick here is to get a scope you're older children will use and learn to love, without buying something so big and complex that they'll put it in the closet and never use it again. The scopes we highlight here are easy-to use, yet still powerful enough to give great eye-popping space views.
Kids 14 & up
Spaced crazed teens will flip over larger 4.5" telescopes. These are among our favorites for adults too. With teens who ware more serious about astronomy, you're ready to tackle a telescope that takes a little more effort and patience in order to use, but payoff with incredible views and higher-end functionality like star tracking. A little less bulky, but nearly as powerful, check out the 70mm refractor.
Spaced crazed teens will flip over larger 4.5" telescopes. These are among our favorites for adults too. With teens who ware more serious about astronomy, you're ready to tackle a telescope that takes a little more effort and patience in order to use, but payoff with incredible views and higher-end functionality like star tracking. A little less bulky, but nearly as powerful, check out the 70mm refractor.
No comments:
Post a Comment