Galactic Choices
The kind of telescope you need depends on the kind of astronomer you are or aim to be. A telescope's principal function for most of us is to aid in viewing pleasure, while a minority will go on to
also generate an income from the hobby. Even fewer will become professionals like the Father of UK Astronomy Sir Patrick Moore
What Do You Want To See?
Let's look for a moment at the kind of viewing you wish to persue.Are you interested in
deep sky observing, general observing,
solar observing, planetary observing, or astrophotography?. Or Perhaps you simply have a fascination with the eclipses? (check out this school of ecliptical maniacs) Sun Loving Canibals
For Deep Sky Observing there is one main rule, "The larger the aperture the better". This larger aperture also helps if you want to photograph what you see as you achieve better resolution and brighter images in less time.
For Solar observing a modest 4 inches telescope could be sufficient with a good durable mount and a high quality Solar Filter that fits over the front of your telescope. But If its quality photographs you want a larger aperture is needed to capture greater detail in sun spots, flares etc..
Getting Serious
Full planetary observation requires a large telescope with a solid mount, preferrabley motorized. Some planetary observers now use CCD to take images of the planets because the Earth's atmospheric disturbances are less prolific in the final image using this method, e.g refraction caused by air movement is less noticeable.
Once you know what you want to use the telescope for, find out what types of telescopes your local dealers have in stock and if they don`t have what you want take time to find a dealer who does or contact us as admin@accessentertainment.co.uk and we'll find one for you. Do not settle for second best and generally buy the largest aperture that you can afford.
Starting Sensibly
If you are new to astronomy it is probably best not to buy super large telescopes and conversely small telescopes of 70mm aperture or less. are in our view a wast of time. The minimum you should consider is a 100mm or 4 inch aperture telescope and from a good quality
manufacturer. Anything less will lead to disalusionment quite quickly.
There is nothing worse than trying to find objects with a substandard telescope. The resolution and viewing clarity are just not there. Generally speaking, its useful to remember that the diameter of the lens or mirror, limits the magnification available. Each 10 mm in diameter
produces enlargement to a factor of 20, so a 100mm telescope will magnify by around 200 before noticable degredation of the image occurs.
Warning !
Beware of the telescopes with 70mm
diameter that can "magnify to an amazing 500 times". This is a marketing ploy that is underhanded and aimed only
at people with little or no prior knowledge of telescopes.
If after reading the above you are still in doubt about what to buy, try looking through the astronomy magazines on sale in newsagents. Capitalize on the reviewers and readers experiences, they have learnt the attributes of a good telescope and what is relatively good for the price. Most mags review new telescopes every two months or so.
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