Saturday, December 08, 2007

The Moon Through Your Astronomy Telescope


For astronomers, especially the stargazing novice and hobbyists, the moon is one of the solar system objects on which their refracting telescope, reflectors or any other astronomical telescopes are often trained at.

What is with the moon, why most would love to stare at it, study it, whether with the naked or the aid of the telescope? Well, aside from the fact that this luminescent lunar globe is considered by many as a celestial object of romance – short of being hypnotic – it is simply there for everyone to behold.

Even without your astronomy telescope, the moon can be easily located. Just look up the clear night sky and you can see the moon and admire its beauty. But if you want a more detailed look, you definitely need to have your telescope. The moon’s craters can be seen by the naked eye, but you can see a thousand times better if you have an optical gadget to use.

Scientists have actually given names to the various lunar features such as the seas and mountain, not to mention the craters. And so it can be very helpful of you have a lunar map which you can use to identify those that you see in your telescope. Or perhaps what you can do is to find on the moon the craters that are identified on the map. Don’t you think this is an astronomical task that’s interesting and a lot of fun?

Indeed, if you are new to star gazing, the moon is one of the first objects you are recommended to check with your astronomical telescope. And with its magnificent images, it will definitely inspire you to seriously pursue stargazing and the science of astronomy.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Astronomy Telescope For Kids: Getting One


What great joy it will be for us if our kids will take on great love on science, more so if his choice is astronomy, and pursue such passion relentlessly, choosing this science as his field of work later on in his life. We can help them go into this path by giving them their own astronomical telescope.

You should know how it is the first time you held up your refracting telescope to the skies – it was such an amazing moment. Now you want your child to have the same experience, and hopefully also pursue star gazing and the study of the heavens even if only a hobby.

First, if your own refracting telescope of your childhood years cannot be used anymore, you need to buy one for your child. An important advice in buying him his first astronomy telescope is this: never focus of the magnification of the scope, as this is not important in determining the reliability of a telescope.

The more important feature when you buy one is the scope’s diameter, or what is called the aperture – this provides the quality of images and pictures that a telescope can give you. You will have to choose the largest aperture over the strongest magnification anytime. Surely, the kid of space images that your child will get from a telescope with the desired aperture will awe him to no end.

You must know how kids are, they can be so hyperactive and sometimes lack concentration that they make unnecessary movements around the telescope, affecting its stability, even damaging it if in case it gets toppled down. Therefore, when choosing a telescope for you kid, you must think about its mount. Choose a model that has the most stable mount. Pass up on one which you think is a wobbly type.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

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.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

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.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Antique Astronomical Telescope Reproduction, Anyone?

Someone asks me: Where can I buy an antique astronomical telescope? He prefers it to be one that is still functional. I guess if anyone is looking for an ancient scope gadget, it would have to be a refracting telescope type, if only because the refractor is the first type to be invented and therefore the oldest scope.

Once I chanced upon an antique piece – something like a solid brass. You would really know the high quality craftsmanship done on this refracting telescope. Actually, most antique scopes are really difficult to be out in the open these days. Many existing ones are tucked away in some dusty and cobwebbed cabinets.

If you really want a telescope that speaks of antiquity, you might want to settle for a little less, but certainly the next best thing to the original. There are many companies who offer antique telescopes but are actually just reproduction of the real one. These scope manufacturers are very particular with the details as well as the materials used in building such astronomical gadgets.

Reproduction of antique telescopes nowadays are so perfectly done, you would actually think the scope on your hands and using for star gazing are the real thing. And what's best is that you can get one for a fraction of the price of the real antique one.

For those who wanted to buy reproduction of old-style scopes, it is best to check on online scope and binocular companies who are catering to this type of need. More often than not, you will be happily surprised that some of them actually offer the antique type of scope that you have been looking for.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Get Maximum Results from Your Astronomical Telescope


Even if you own a refracting telescope or any other type of scope that’s easy to use, it is best to know exactly how to operate the gadget to the letter in order to attain the best and clearest images possible. As with any other gadgets, constant proper use of your astronomical telescope makes perfect.

One thing that should be observed when using it, always take utmost to prevent any damage done on your scope. Surely no one would want even a scratch inflicted on its tube or eyepiece. Likewise, to get a solid view of a sky object, mount your refractor on a stable location or surface that produces zero vibrations. You should know that a slight vibration or unnecessary movement on your refracting telescope will disturb the images it will produce and cause it to become blurred.

One more important advice: while many of us might want to try mounting and setting up our scope by our window, with us observing from the inside, in the comfort of our room, this is not an ideal way of stargazing with our scopes and will not give us the clear and crisp images that we desire. It is best to mount your astronomy telescope on an open space if only for maximum results.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Rooftop Stargazing with Your Astronomical Telescope


It is without a doubt that astronomy is one of the most popular sciences and stargazing continues to top today’s popular educational and entertainment pursuit. Many enthusiasts are so engrossed with stargazing that they went to the extent of buying a refracting telescope or any other type of scope for their hobby.

Why is star gazing very popular? A good reason is that you can actually enjoy a great observing session of the stars and the planets anywhere you may be. Of course, if you are in the city you can still find a place that is away from all that distracting city lights. And when you do this, you can practically see a vivid image of the moon.

Many have an image of a star gazing session as one which is done on the rooftop. If you actually decide on doing this, make sure that the roof is very stable and can carry your weight. Mounting of your refracting telescope should be very stable to achieve the best images that you can enjoy.

Indeed, stargazing continues to be a popular hobby if only because the experience can be awesome. To see clear images of space objects is an experience that anyone can really appreciate. Yes, you can enjoy the stars in the sky with your naked eye, but of course, it’s a whole different experience when you use astronomical telescope.

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Observing Tips with Your Good Old Refracting Telescope

Despite the latest scope models out in the market, there is always excellent use for your old refracting telescope. A very reliable and easy to use one, nothing beats the refractor when wanting to enjoy some amazing star gazing at any clear night sky.

Still, you can make your observing session a great one by taking notes and applying a few effective tips in star gazing.

First, avoid the lights coming from the city. Your base or observing site should also be away from air pollution. Be in a location that is elevated to the point that you will be as far as possible from the pollution and building lights. This will help you get a vivid view of bright sky objects.

Many of us live in the city, so finding a good place to observe with your astronomical telescope can be difficult. If you are in some building, go to the highest place as possible, perhaps on the rooftop. However, avoid winds as this can make you’re the mounting of your telescope unstable.

The strict rule is to observe and star gaze on a stable ground. Avoid mounting your refractor telescope on an unstable structure because vibration is inevitable and can affect your star gazing.

Friday, September 28, 2007

On Owning User-friendly Astronomical Telescope


What is the best astronomical telescope for the novice astronomer, star-gazing hobbyist or the pre-teen kids who are very much interested in observing the stars and the planet? If the main concern is to star gaze and observe the skies and space, the best telescope should be a user-friendly one.

First of all, a perfectly user-friendly astronomical telescope is one which is easy to set up and assemble. Of course there are many scope models not needing any assembly at all. The only tiny concern is setting up, and the problem is not on the setting up of the telescope but more on where to position and set up the telescope.

The user-friendly astronomy telescope is also one with minimal instructions or procedures on how to get the best images of the planets and the moon, even the nearest galaxy. Not so much buttons, or dials to push or move, yet you only get the clearest, most crisp space pictures.

If someone is new in stargazing, better advise him on purchasing a simple refracting telescope as this is one of the most useful, reliable and user-friendly scopes to exist. Better yet, most scope stores have personnel who can be very helpful in providing you more information about scopes, and guiding you in buying the most appropriate and user-friendly telescope for you.

Friday, September 21, 2007

Latest Space Telescope

Without NASA and its powerful astronomical telescopes, we would literally be in the dark as far as the solar system, the stars and the universe are concerned.

This world-renowned space agency is in the forefront in gathering important data and astronomical information with the use of astronomy telescopes, such as the radio telescope and of course the Hubble Space Telescope, the space-based scope in seemingly eternal orbit around the earth.

The Hubble Space Telescope has a distinct advantage over those scopes that are stationed on land – its images of space objects are much clearer because of the absence of the Earth’s blur-causing atmosphere.

Now, the agency has developed its latest space telescope, the Gamma Ray Large Area Space Telescope, which picks up gamma rays produced by neutron stars and black holes.

We have always been fascinated, even baffled, with black holes and the birth of the universe. Hopefully, space scientists and astronomers will be able to learn more about these space phenomena that exist in our universe with the help of the Gamma Ray Telescope.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Great Alternative to Astronomical Telescopes: Bino


Having an astronomical telescope is one glaring sign that one is serious in his lover for astronomy. It’s the ultimate goal of one into the field of star gazing and observing – that is, to own a good and reliable telescope for himself.

Perhaps, if an astronomy enthusiast does not have one, he might borrow or join another avid star gazer who has his own. Or maybe, just to go to the local observatory and use the available telescope that’s open for use to the public. Still and all, if you are an avid star gazer and you are sure that observing the stars is going to be a lifetime passion, it is best that you invest in a professional astronomical telescope.

However, you might also decide on an alternative to the telescope which is the binoculars, which is usually thought of as optical gadget one use during a sport game especially if you are in the bleacher section. But the bino can likewise act as a reliable astronomy telescope, and with great advantages over the real one at that.

First of all, they are cheaper compared to even the simplest refracting telescope. Another advantage is that unlike the scope, they have minimum need for maintenance and setting up. They are very simple to use, yet like the scope they can be powerful enough to be used primarily for star gazing sessions.

As an alternative to the astronomy telescope, buying even the simplest binocular can be a great decision. It works just like one, but the important thing is you are able to save a significant amount of money.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Refracting Telescope or Binoculars

While for many astronomy enthusiasts, star gazing can really be a serious scholarly pursuit, for others it is mainly a fun activity. For those who are seriously involved in observing the stars and heavens, they utilize the refracting telescope or any other type of astronomical telescope for that matter. Astronomy is considered a major science and so only the use of scientific, sophisticated and technical instrument such as the telescope is in order.

On the other hand, there are many young people nowadays who want to enjoy star viewing and observing just for the fun of it, they don't see the need to purchase and own a refracting telescope. They would rather have a binoculars, which is perfect for star gazing.

Price-wise, the bino is much less expensive than the scope. However, with the former, you can also enjoy quality star gazing as the technical and optical aspects of these gadgets are at par with the telescope.

Indeed, many astronomical enthusiasts prefer to use binoculars rather than telescopes because they are considered more compact, handy and easier to use.

Check out the established brick-and-mortar binocular and scope stores nearest your place for some quality bino gadgets - surely they would know what's appropriate for your star gazing requirements. You can also go to the internet for the online binocular sites - where it is much easier to compare optical products as well as the prices.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Buying Discount Telescope

Do you know why there are numerous refracting telescope gadgets that are available and being sold that discount telescope and binocular shops and stores everywhere, and likewise on the internet? It is because of the sheer popularity of the refractor as a reliable and efficient astronomical telescope.

Albeit, the refracting telescope is now replaced by more technologically advanced and high tech telescopes, it still can boast of its vast, significant use in the field of astronomy.

Particularly, the refracting telescope is a great scope for those who are beginners in the hobby or scientific pursuit of sky gazing.

The refractor is likewise and excellent starter scope for your children and a great way of helping them further develop their interest in astronomy and star gazing.

Whatever your need for the refracting telescope is, you can buy a telescope gadget of your own from any discount store, which will surely provide you with the particular scope that suits your particular need. Discount telescopes, while can be had cheap, does not mean that their quality is inferior. Just make sure that lens, eyepiece and the telescope itself are in good condition in order to make the most out of it.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Importance of Hubble Telescope

As scientists and astronomers become impatient with the limited astronomical capacities of the refracting telescope, powerful ones were developed to further help them in the better and more efficient study of the heavens. It is for this reason that the Hubble Telescope was discovered.

Of course, the Hubble Space Telescope is many times more powerful than the refracting telescopes that now exist. Another difference of the Hubble from the other astronomical telescope is that it is not land based. Instead it circles that orbit of the Earth.

The reason for the Hubble being outside the Earth is that it is able to capture clear pictures and images of anything on Earth, as well as space objects.

This astronomical telescope is a very efficient device and provides immense benefits to the science of astronomy. It is also recognized as one of the most important telescopes in the history of astronomy.

The Hubble likewise provides observations and exciting results from researches that help astronomers and scientists who are in the study of the field of astrophysics.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Astronomy Telescope: Searching Other Life Forms with it

Is there life on Mars? Or in any other planet in our solar system in general? If we were to use an astronomy telescope as the sole tool of determining the answer to this question, well, we can get a varying degree and significance of results, depending on the type of astronomy telescope that we might use for this endeavor.

Of course, if we are going to utilize the refracting telescope, then we all know the limited capabilities of this type of telescope. Training the scope’s tube to the skies, particularly on the moon, we might get a clear view and even details of the moon’s mountains and seas and craters in all their splendor. But find life on the moon using the refracting telescope? I doubt it.

What about the Hubble Space telescope? The most powerful astronomical instrument there is that’s invented in this planet can be an instrument to reckon with. But the Hubble Space telescope is more of a giant outer space photographic instrument that is commissioned to take pictures of the earth from space. Such a cool gadget that’s worth billions don’t you think?

Whether we use a refracting or a Hubble Space telescope, finding other life forms can be a daunting task that needs more than just these wonderful instruments but the collective effort of all astronomers and scientists as well as the appropriate research and astronomical agencies in the United State and all around the world. And we hope that one day we can finally discover the other life forms that have been around out there practically forever.

Friday, June 01, 2007

Antique Refracting Telescope at the Market

Friday of last week, I was sort of not very happy about not remembering to bring my digital cam. I went to nearby Jaffa flea market, and in small shop in one of its crowded corners I got to encounter an antique astronomical telescope. I know it was sort of a refracting telescope because it was just a long black tube, with lenses at both its ends. There were some metal ornaments of various shapes glued to the ends of the tube, which I thought was quite unique for a scope design.

Yesterday Friday, I tried going back, now with a cam on hand, but unfortunately the refracting telescope was not there anymore. Perhaps someone else saw it and took fancy of it because of the obvious fact that it is priceless, being an antique item. I myself would not care if it is working or not; I thought it was valuable. Lucky is the one who had bought it I thought.

Anyway, hopefully I would again come across another antique astronomical telescope at the flea market and finally have the money to buy it or at least the digital cam to have nice pictures of it to post here.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Your Kid and His First Astronomy Telescope

If your child shows great interest in astronomy and observing the skies and star gazing, an astronomy telescope for kids will help them to get started with this new, exciting hobby without you shelling out large sum of money. However, you must remember that want a child needs is a real astronomy telescope, and not a toy. Preferably it can be a refracting telescope with all the functions of a starter scope. Never mind the advanced and complex features. What matters it that you are encouraging your child to take up this hobby.

Money indeed can be a consideration but if you buy him a scope of his own, he will be happy with the full support that you are giving him on his interest on astronomy. A true blue simple telescope, perhaps a refracting telescope sans the frills, will definitely give your kid the boost that he needs to learn about the stars and planets and astronomy as a whole.

Try investing on a beginner telescope which can be had for 100 dollars. A better one is available on most scope shops and stores for 200 up to 300 dollars. And as your child becomes really more interested in astronomy, it would be great if you can spend more for a much sophisticated and complex telescope, like having features such as astrophotography capabilities. Your kind would certainly want to take pictures of comets, planets and stars.

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Where in the World is the Galileo Telescope?

Where is the Galileo Telescope? This scope which is a type of refracting telescope and the first true astronomically working telescope is one of the most popular astronomy equipments of all times.

Albeit the Galileo Telescope is actually not the first refracting telescope invented (we have to credit Hans Lippershey for his efforts), it is the fist really professional telescope that was used for star gazing and astronomical research.

So does it matter if it is not the original refractor? First is not always the best there is, I must say. And for this scope of Galileo Galilei, we have so much to thank because it served as the fitting model for all the succeeding astronomical telescopes.

What I would also like to know is if the original telescope of Galileo is still in existence. Where is it, in some Italian museum or observatory perhaps? What I know is that there is a replica of the Galileo Telescope kept at the London Museum. And I am sure that many other replicas of this great astronomical piece of instrument all over the world.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Learning about Astronomy and Refracting Telescope

So you always like to watch and observe the heavens and the stars, and really want to engage yourself in astronomy. Of course, there are many ways on which you can further your education and general knowledge about this science. There are many local and college libraries that have astronomy sections that would surely assist you in finding the right astronomy books, especially the ones that are easy reading for beginners like you. There are also tons of website about astronomy and refracting telescope and star gazing, all of which are just waiting for you to log on to and visit.

Another yet excellent way is joining any local astronomy club. You may also join them in their visits to observatories for some stargazing with the use of the observatory’s refracting telescope. Most club members are just too willing to share their comments, views and opinions about the science of astronomy, the refracting telescope or any other related topic.

You yourself can have your own telescope to do some personal star gazing. You do not have to spend a lot of money to be able to buy a competent refracting telescope or any other type of telescope for that matter. However, a good advice is never to buy a cheap telescope, especially the ones that are sold on a department store’s toy section.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Refracting Telescope: Basic Parts

The refracting telescope is perhaps the most recognizable astronomical telescope we have today. Most students and even children, if they are asked to describe a typical telescope, the description that they would give is that of the refracting telescope. A tube with glasses on both ends; that is the general description of the refractor telescope.

The refracting telescope has three basic components or parts, all of which are very important. The first component of the refractor is the long tube, which is usually black or dark in color. This tube is usually made of wood, plastic or metal. The second component of the refracting telescope that is very important is the combination lens made of glass found at the front part of the tube. This is what we call the objective lens.

Last but not the least is another combination of glass lens which is found on the other end of the tube of the refracting telescope. We call this lens as the eyepiece.

Even if there are now many modern telescopes that exist today, the refracting telescope has very much secured a place in the history of astronomy.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Achromatic Refracting Telescope

Refracting telescope gadgets have what is called the chromatic aberration problem. Because glass tends to refract any light differently in terms of wavelength, the telescope lens will break light coming in into varied colors which is a similar concept to the prism. Consequently, this effect limits the use of the refracting telescope because the overall effect would be a blurred image.

Chromatic aberration will be more pronounced and worse if you would attempt to assemble a telescope with a low focal ratio or large aperture. The ancient astronomers were aware of this and so they created lengthy focal ratio refractors with small aperture.

Christian Huygens, in the year 1656, was able to construct a refractor possessing a 2 to 4 inch aperture and a 23 foot focal length. This refracting telescope was able to magnify around a hundred times and had a view field of around 16-17 arc minutes. On the other hand, in order to gain better magnification, Johannes Hevelius did construct a 140 foot telescope in 1670.

Significant advancement of the refracting telescope happened in the invention of the achromatic objective. Although someone as prominent as Isaac Newton said that achromatic objectives are not possible, he was proven to be wrong when a British optical maker, John Dolland invented an achromatic lens using two types of glass which can provide better quality correction of color than the simple objectives.

The modern refracting telescopes now utilize the achromatic lens. Normally achromatic lens use two to three glass types having varied dispersions. This means that the light is spread into the spectrum differently. There is careful balance on the lens power, thereby reducing significantly the color effors. Ultimately the refracting telescopes that have large aperture and high focal lengths are much more feasible.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

On the Optical Telescope

Optical telescope is defined as a telescope that collects light and focuses it primarily from the spectrum’s visible portion to make a direct view of a magnified or enlarged image, or taking a photograph among others.

If you know or have seen a monocular, then optical telescope is another term for it. Monoculars are optical gadgets that have state mount used in the sky gazing and observing. On the other hand, binoculars are especially for other gazing and observing purposes.

There are three major types of the optical telescope – the refracting telescope, which utilize its lenses, the reflecting telescope, which uses mirror, and the mirror-lens system, which as the name suggest makes use of both mirrors and lenses. Example of a refracting telescope is the earliest scope, the popular Galileo telescope. Examples of the mirror lens system are the Schmidt camera and Maksutov scope.

The Hubble Space Telescope is another optical telescope that is perhaps the most popular telescope today. It is circling an orbit past the atmosphere of the Earth for it to gather observations that are clear of atmospheric elements. With the Hubble Space Telescope, the images can be limited in diffraction, and the coverage is in infrared and ultra-violet rays. Another popular optical telescope is the Keck telescope, which is said to be one of the largest scopes in the world.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Edwin Hubble's Telescope

One of the earliest and most utilized astronomical telescopes is the refracting telescope. Thanks to Galileo Galilei, the refracting telescope has been a very useful and prolific telescope in history of astronomy.

Now, let us put aside the discussion on the refracting telescope and instead talk about one of the most significant telescopes discovered in modern times - the Hubble telescope.

The Hubble telescope is appropriately named after the scientist Edwin Hubble, an astronomer who was able to determine that the universe is in a continuous process of expansion. This discovery about the expansion of the universe is a very important foundation of modern cosmology and astronomy, which ultimately gave reason for Hubble to be chosen for the honor of having the Hubble telescope named after him.

The Hubble permits star gazers and observers to look farther into the deep space than the previous astronomical telescopes. By moving over the Earth’s atmosphere, the Hubble telescope is able to observe space data much more vividly than if the observation is than from an Earth telescope. The Hubble Telescope is also able to look farther into the infrared and ultraviolet spectrums. With the observing platform moved farther to the open space, the Hubble telescope was afforded a clearer and better observation of the universe.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Newtonian and Cassegrain Types of Telescopes

If you are to think of a telescope, the one like the refracting telescope usually pops up first in your mind. Why so? Almost always anyone would think of the telescope is one with a long tube and lenses on both sides. That is how a refractor looks like. The refracting telescope is one of the simplest when it comes to design and form.

Still, it is not only the refracting telescope that is the most common of the scopes. There is also the reflecting telescope. There are two general types of reflecting telescopes: these are the Newtonian and the Cassegrain types.

The first type which is the Newtonian, has a simple design and it is popular to the stargazing amateurs who want to build their own telescopes. This telescope was created by scientist Isaac Newton and it was the first successful reflecting telescope.

The second type of reflecting telescope which is the Cassegrain telescope utilizes two mirrors to form the image. One mirror is found at the bottom of a tube, and the smaller mirror is on top of the tube facing it. The light passes through the top of the tube and focused by the bigger mirror, and then reflected by the smaller mirror. The Cassegrain telescope looks like a refracting telescope, although the two function differently.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Refracting Telescope: Simple Yet Powerful Stargazing Instrument

The refracting telescope has a very simple mechanism for an astronomical telescope and likewise has a simple external appearance that anyone would not seriously think of it as a very powerful telescope.

Yet anyone, from the astronomical enthusiasts and the stargazing hobbyists will use the refracting telescope in examining, probing and observing the night skies and marvel on the sharp and vivid space objects.

When using the refracting telescope, you will enjoy immensely far-away objects to which you train your refractor telescope at. Vividly you can enjoy the features of the moon such as its numerous craters, mountains and sea formations. Likewise, with your refractor, it can give you clear images of the planets in the solar system such as the Mars, Venus and Jupiter.

Besides being the simple astronomical telescope that it is, the refractor telescope also is very easy to set up, requires only a minimal maintenance, but should be kept in a safe place and be covered to keep it from getting the lens and eyepiece dirty with dust and oil.

Indeed, the refracting telescope is one of the simplest and yet very powerful instrument to probe the night skies.