Astrophotography and the Telescope

The astronomical telescope is an instrument that’s very effective in giving clear view of distant objects such as the moon, planets and even faraway stars and galaxies. It can really be awesome to have a vivid look on how these objects light-years away looks like. However, would it not be more exciting if we can take photographs of the objects that we see from the telescope?

Astrophotography is an interesting science that combines astronomy and photography, and the study has afforded astronomers and space photographers alike with great pictures using the special astronomical telescopes and cameras.

Just like in conventional photography, the cameras that are used on astrophotography are either the film type or the digital camera. Albeit, if any stargazer-photographer would want a superior quality photograph, then it is best to utilize the digital type that is especially appropriate to complement the telescope.

Cameras should be attached to the astronomical telescope for a more steady and stable taking of pictures. It has to be securely attached to the telescope using a special clamp. And while both devices do complement each other, both the telescope and the camera do their tasks independently. Nonetheless, the astronomical telescope greatly aids it in arriving at perfect and accurate shots. Indeed, astrophotography helps in refining and making easier the researches and studies of astronomy and space with the use of photographs.

Newtonian Reflecting Telescope: One of Most Popular

I have always thought that the refracting telescope is the most popular scope around, until a reader of mine contested, insisting that the Newtonian Reflecting Telescopes are the most well known of all scopes.

Indeed, Newtonian telescopes are very popular in terms of its design, which is very simple and basic that not a few backyard astronomers and star gazers would want to have it as their equipment.

Simplicity in design means having only one surface mirror, as opposed to the Cassegrain telescope and refractor, both of which have 4 surfaces for grounding and polishing. The advantage of having only one surface is that it makes things easier for amateur makers of telescopes to create objectives according to their specifications.

Simplicity in Newtonian also means there is no lens component. This can a significant advantage as no lens means non-existent chromatic aberration, unlike in the case of the refractor scope.

It is because of the basic design of Newtonian that makes it one of the least expensive astronomical telescopes available. Simple in the design it may be, still you can rely on this telescope is a highly powerful and performing astronomy telescope, and can match the performance of any other scope designs.

If you intend to use a Newtonian telescope for your astronomical and sky viewing pursuit, it is advisable to get one with an 8 inch aperture for really good optics. This will definitely serve well as your starter telescope. You however will be happy to find out that the Newtonian is such a hardy scope that you can use it for many years to come.