Friday, May 05, 2006

Beginner Telescope: Using it the Right Way

We all love our beginner telescopes, whether it be a simple amateur telescope or the best astronomical telescope. So naturally, we also want to handle and use our telescopes properly - in a cautious way - to avoid damage especially to the telescope’s mirrors and lenses.

If you bought your beginner telescope in a reputable telescope dealer (and not from the department store like I always advise), you definitely got a unit that’s A-1 in quality, no defects, and perfect for your needs as a hobbyist or as a budding astronomer.

And if you have plans to buy telescope, do not buy from the department store but instead go and buy from the telescope manufacturers and dealers. This is their field of specialty so they know what's the best telescope for you.

Now, it’s all up to you to maintain the perfect condition of your telescope. You can either leave it out there in the gardens and be at the mercy of the elements. Or you can go to the extent of constructing a protective “home” for your beginner telescope whenever it is not in use.

It’s really your choice, but my bet is – everyone of you guys would want to give the best care for your starter telescope.

The following are a few simple caring telescope tips:

Choose the safest place on where to set up your telescope – one that is safe, with a firm ground on which to have a stable mounting, and a place that is free from any obstruction of the view. Claim this place as your own stargazing sanctuary.

Of course, if you want to build a protective steel cage for a telescope house, it’s ok but kind of like extreme. The next best thing is to purchase a covering that would protect your beginner telescope, especially from dust, moisture, and other elements which might otherwise damage the very delicate telescope lenses and eyepieces.

Of course, if you have the perfect setting up place for your telescope, you must also assign the perfect hiding place when not in use, place that’s out of reach of your kid brother, pet dog, or even crawling ants and other insects.

Speaking of your kid brother – he will definitely insist on you letting him use your starter telescope. Well, let him use it – but with your assistance of course. It’s your telescope - so you took time to read the user’s manual, you check of the internet for further caring and maintenance tips. It is best to impart this knowledge to your brother the first time he uses it, this will make him realize the importance of proper use and care. And that you mean it, otherwise you’ll keep him a light-year away from your telescope. Hopefully next time, you may be able (albeit reluctantly) to let him use your telescope on his own.

Remember to apply these telescope tips – your starter astronomical telescope will surely go a long, long, way.

Stargazing is a such a fantastic hobby. Every night, we go out there and always seem to see new great views in the heavens. This in partner with our beginner telescopes.

Related posts on telescope tips:

Your Starter Telescope: Hints on Getting the Most from it

Your Starter Telescope: Additional Tips on Proper Care

No comments: