Catadioptric Telescope

What does the Schmidt, Maksutov and the Cassegrain telescopes have in common?

So much about the refracting telescope and the reflector telescope which I have written extensively here. There is another type of astronomical telescope that is a little bit more complicated than these two. If the refracting telescope employ lenses and eyepieces while the reflecting telescope use mirrors, the catadioptric type of telescope uses both lenses and mirrors to be able to focus the light to the desired object. The Schmidt, maksutov and the cassegrain fall under this telescope category.

The catadioptric telescope is like a combination of both the reflecting and refracting telescopes.

What are the advantages of the catadioptric telescopes?

First, it requires less maintenance.

Also, the designs and parts of the catadioptric telescope are simple and easy to produce.

On the other hand, the disadvantage of this type of telescope is that some of the light that is supposed to enter the tube of the scope is blocked by its supplementary mirror.

Refracting Telescope: Legacy of Galileo Galilei

What would astronomy be like if Galileo Galilei was not around to discover the earliest working telescope, which is known as the Galileo telescope and considered the model of today’s refracting telescope.

Actually, everyone knows it was not really Galileo Galilei who invented the refractor telescope, but master optician Han Lippershey. Still, many incorrectly credit Galileo Galilei for the discovery of the refractor telescope – perhaps because of the sheer popularity of Galileo as an astronomer and scientist.

And with a famous astronomer associated with the refracting telescope, the popularity has been rubbed off to the scope. Galileo made some of the most important and significant astronomical discoveries in the history of space science, and his work even led to other equally significant modern discoveries. Eventually this astronomical telescope has firmly established an image of being one of the most important and utilized telescope.

Indeed the refracting telescope is perhaps the first telescope that would pop up into one’s mind whenever he is asked about telescopes. And why not? The refractor is the astronomical instrument that is simple yet very efficient for astronomical researches and star gazing sessions.

Group Stargazing

As a telescope and astronomy enthusiast, it is great that every star gazing session that you have is done with the company of your astronomer friends. Nothing is better than having someone with whom you can discuss your observations, or perhaps compare your refracting telescope with another.

Star gazing is often more enjoyable and fun when done with groups – whether it be that you and your friends go to a local astronomical telescope observatory for some evening sky observations, or just go mountain climbing to find a perfect spot to set up your refracting telescope or reflecting telescope instruments.

While of course, the advantage of star gazing alone is that you can do it with more concentration - hence it becomes a more productive session. When doing observations by myself I realize that this is when I get much more vivid images. Perhaps it is because I tend to become focused into the work when alone.

Star gazing in groups has one distinct advantage. And that is, you get to share with another person the wonderful experience of seeing the magnificence of almost every sky objects there is.

Stargazing on a Cloudy Night?

Unless you have a space telescope like the Hubble Space Telescope which seems like going to be forever stationed in space, here on earth you only have either your refracting telescope or a reflecting telescope so you definitely have to worry about clouds that would surely rob you of your magnificent views. (Of course the Hubble Space Telescope, since located in space would not have to worry about clouds.)

A cloudy weather is a spoiler for an otherwise great star gazing experience. Cloud will block any view and there really is nothing we can do about it. Wait for a clear, cloud-free night sky is the best time to set up our refracting telescope and enjoy a nice star gazing session.

Find an ideal place for astronomical observation can be a daunting task, especially if you are living in the city. First of all, the city lights can give you imperfect views of your targeted space objects. If you are a first time telescope user, try to know other amateur hobbyists in your neighborhood who might have determined the best public place for telescope set up.

Have fun - this is a simple yet sound advice. With your star gazing, you might not get the desired results with your refracting telescope or any other astronomical telescope. Usually the objects you are viewing may appear to you as small and not very clear. What do you expect? Most space objects are thousands and millions of light-years away. If you want a more magnificent view, you can train your refracting telescope to the moon anytime and enjoy its very visible features such as the craters and mountains.

Amateur star gazing is more about fun. Gradually you may opt to travel the path of a serious astronomer if it is really your calling.