Telescope Tripod Mount
Buying Your First Astronomy Telescope
Author: Ann Marier
When we were children we were often taught that we could wish upon the first star that we saw in the evening sky. After that wish was made and if we believed hard enough our wish would come true. Eventually, our childhood fantasies gave way to fact as we became more educated. This education was accomplished through astronomy classes, space exploration and other educational means.
The word astronomy is comprised of two Greek words. The Greek word astro means star shaped or star and pertains to outer space. The word onomy literally means the study of. Therefore, astronomy is the study of the stars.
One of the major tools that assists amateur and professional astronomers in understanding and respecting the galaxy is the astronomy telescope. When looking to purchase a good astronomy telescope there are a number of factors that you can keep in mind. First, of all consider some practical suggestions, remember it is about the diameter of the lens, and make sure your telescope has a solid stand.
Practical Suggestions
Before you purchase your astronomy telescope it is important to conduct your research. One way of conducting this research can be accomplished by accessing the Internet and learning more about telescopes. Some of the questions that you should endeavor to answer surround what features to look for in a telescope, approximate cost, recommended brands, etc.
Another practical suggestion, before you purchase your astronomy telescope, is to “test drive” a telescope. This can be accomplished by joining an astronomy club. Often these clubs will have a stargazing event which will allow you to peer through the telescopes owned by the various members.
Another way of conducting research, prior to purchasing an astronomy telescope, is to ask the members in the club as to what telescope they would recommend. The key is education. Listen for the features they recommend, brand names, the diameter of the lens, price, etc.
Also, you may come across a member of the club who is considering the purchase of a new telescope. If so, you may be able to purchase their used telescope.
Diameter Of The Lens
When considering the purchase of an astronomy telescope it is important to remember what is the key feature surrounding your purchase. That key feature should focus on the diameter of the lens of the telescope and not its advertised magnification.
This is because the diameter of the lens equates to the amount of light that can be received by the telescope. Therefore, the larger the diameter of the lens the more light that is captured. This in turn allows for the image that you are viewing to become more visible.
Solid Base
Another very important feature when considering the purchase of your astronomy telescope is to ensure that it has a solid base. Generally, these bases or mounts are tripods.
It is important that when the telescope is mounted on these bases that the telescope does not shake or move. Obviously, any movement by the telescope, when peering into space, will distort the image being viewed and provide a negative experience.
About the Author:
Ann Marier has written many articles on
health questions
providing helpful tips and advice. Read all about her latest articles on telescopes and how to use a
child telescope
to generate their interest in the universe.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Buying Your First Astronomy Telescope
|
|
Bosch BP350 Telescoping Pole with 1/4-Inch by 20-Inch laser Mount $82.75 Includes Telescoping Pole w/ 1/4-in x 20-in Laser Mount – BP350, Tool Mount, Mount Clamp… |
|
|
Carson Optical LED Flashlight (Red) $3.95 The Carson StarMapLight Red-LED Flashlight SL-1 is a red LED flashlight for low-light use. This Carson Flashlight is great for astronomy, photographic darkrooms, or reading theater programs without disturbing others. The StarMapLight Red LED Flashlight SL1 by Carson comes with… |
|
|
TourMate Optical 6X Zoom Lens Camera Telescope with Black Back Case For Apple iPad 2 (All Models) $32.99 Using the iPad 2 to get long shots? We are! That’s because we have TourMate – the 6 fold zoom telescope camera lens plus back case. It zooms to allow clear distant views such as watching a football game, attending a concert, touring in some places, examining some wild animals, etc. You might be a journalist who needs it for distant shots. You might be an expert in investigator who takes pictures a… |
|
|
Philips SPC900NC PC Web Camera with VGA CCD Sensor and USB 2.0 Interface $99.99 WEBCAM CCD VGA FACE TRK MTN DET NAT MTN… |
|
|
Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope $99.99 If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level telescope for that beginning astronomy enthusiast, our SpaceProbe 3 Altaz is the perfect choice. Great for all-around stargazing, this highly portable, uncomplicated scope is just the right size and weight for the entire family, and just the right price for parents. This is a quality telescope, with a 3″ (76mm) glass primary mirror mounted in a sturd… |
|
|
Orion Observer 70mm Equatorial Refractor Telescope $129.99 This tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s atmospheric belts, or the bil… |
|
|
Orion Apex 90mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope $229.99 With a tube length of 11 inches, a 90mm (3.5″) precision-polished fully multi-coated meniscus front lens, and solid uncompromising construction. the Apex 90 Compact Mak is a paragon of portability, optical excellence, and durability. Better still, it’s one of the most versatile scopes we offer. The Apex 90 delivers bright, high-contrast images, and with a focal length of 1250mm (f/13.9) you also g… |
|
|
Power Acoustik CCD-3 Night Vision Infrarred Color Camera $179.95 12 IR LEDS FOR NIGHT VIEWINGPIVOTING STAND FOR ANGLED INSTALLATIONSNIGHT ILLUMINATIONDIN CONNECTION1/4″ SHARP CCD COLOR CAMERA0.1 LOW LUX LIGHT LENSREVERSED IMAGERESOLUTION: 510 X 380RCA VIDEO OUTPUTUPC : 709483019836Shipping Dimensions : 3.50in X 2.75in X 2.00inEstimated Shipping Weight : 0.45… |
|
|
Celestron Telescope GPS Accessory Bracket Holder CGE Series GPS mount!Celestron’s GPS accessory bracket is intended to hold the GPS accessory for CGE telescopes and other scopes that offer the GPS feature. It clamps to one leg of the telescope’s tripod to hold the GPS unit securely…. |
|
|
Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars with Tripod Adapter $62.65 Celestron and ;s SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars are a phenomenal value for high performance binoculars ideal for astronomical viewing or for terrestrial (land) use – especially over long distances. Each SkyMaster model features high quality BAK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast. Celestron has designed and engineered the larger SkyMaster models to meet the specia… |
