Buy the Best Refractor or Reflecting Telescope that You Can

Are you just caught up into the amazing hobby of gazing and observing the heavens? Do you already have your own telescope to use for your nightly star gazing? If you are a budding hobbyist in the field of astronomy, certainly you should not in any way be having thoughts of buying a toy telescope. You should at least purchase for yourself a simple beginner telescope, such as a refractor or reflecting telescope.

Buying those toy scopes is a big no-no as this would only indicate that you are not serious in your star gazing hobby. Of course, later on, as you become really into this astronomical endeavor, you will have to replace your basic refracting or reflecting telescope with one that is more sophisticated and advanced model, which makes for a more exciting stargazing and research.

Remember, even as a newbie in this endeavor, one must shun away from those inexpensive toy scopes, especially the ones offered in department stores. To buy a telescope that is obviously a toy is simply a worthless exercise and the output that you will get is certainly less than impressive. Simply put, buy only the best astronomical telescope possible. (Image credit: tripletlads)

Orion Telescopes SVP 8: Orion SkyView Pro 8 Reflector

The Orion telescopes SVP 8 are very popular and much admired scopes if only for their solid and steady mount and really outstanding optics. This Orion SkyView Pro 8 Reflector as the name implies as a 8 inch parabolic mirror which provides an amazing 73 percent more light grasp as compared to the 6 inch reflector. More light grasp means a much brighter and more vivid images. You can use this Orion telescope way beyond the Messier catalog.



In the case of the planets and moon, the 1000mm focal length of the Orion telescopes SVP 8 offers the ability for fine and detailed resolution at a much higher power.

Other amazing features of the Orion SkyView Pro 8 Reflector are upgraded 2 inch Crayford focuser with a focus lock knob and a 1.25 inch adapter, a finder scope and twin eyepieces by Sirius Plössl, which is measured at10mm and 25mm.

The Orion telescopes SVP 8 even boasts of a center mark or quick and convenient collimation on the primary mirror. Likewise, the solid rock steady equatorial mount and steel tripod simply provide a firm platform that is characterized as very smooth that you might think the scope is floating on thin air.

Optical Telescope: Choosing the One that's Best for You

Ever since the ancient times of Galileo, people have been utilizing the optical telescope up to the bright starry skies and looking beyond the Earth into the other worlds. Stargazing indeed can be a rewarding pursuit. You are also given the chance to meet up amateur astronomer friends as star gazing clubs abound with people of similar astronomical interests like you.



First of all, if you are really serious in your pursuit of stargazing, the time to have your own optical telescope is now. It can be the simplest scope brand or the well known Meade telescopes. But how do you go about choosing your own scope? You can try checking on the magnification as this is one significant property of a scope.

However, one important telescope capability is to be able to gather light for what good will a big image do if it can’t be clearly seen? Likewise, in the case of magnification, you can always adjust your scope’s magnification via the usage of various eyepieces, and so while it can be considered; it is actually not of great importance with buying your own stargazing device.

The capacity of an optical telescope to gather light is in direct relation to the scope’s aperture size or its mirror or lens. If you think that you now need a scope with the biggest aperture, then this is not what we need. There must actually be a balance between the portability and the aperture’s size. This balance is what you must look for in a telescope. So, if you are one who needs to move your optical telescope, then you would have to choose one which is not too heavy to be easily mobile.

Choosing your own type of optical telescope depends on your stargazing requirements; everything actually is dependent on whatever plan you might have in using your scope. Of course, the available budget is of primary importance. The good news is that there are many well-known telescope companies such as Meade telescopes which offer great scopes at reasonable prices.

Bushnell Telescope Voyager 78-9570

The Bushnell Telescopes offer the model Voyager 78-9570, which provides the user excellent quality optical features as well as exact mechanical construction which results in the most vivid view of the distant space objects.

This Bushnell Telescope is full of innovative optical scope features - such as the Penta mirror technology (patented), its zoom eyepiece, and its rotary power turret. One of the best ever Bushnell telescopes, the Voyager 78-9570 is finely constructed yet very convenient for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to use.

Definitely when it comes to astronomical telescope, this is one of the best choices as far as balanced and reliable optical performance is concerned.

Ratings of Used Telescopes

If you are an astronomy enthusiast but with problems with your budget when it comes to your refractor or terrestrial telescope requirements, fret no more. There are a lot of online sites that are selling used telescopes at really low prices, and some are even offered with warranty.

All our used refracting telescopes and other types of scopes, binoculars and other optical instruments have been thoroughly inspected by certified scope expert and are rating according to their condition.

Almost new: Such scopes are been utilized for only a few times. This type of products are given warranty for a few months.

Like mint condition: One level below almost new. Also used a few times but with markings which are sign that it has been used. This also has a warranty.

Good condition: These type of astronomical telescopes show minor signs of wear such as outside markings or flaw. Such used product is offered with a warranty.

Fair: Used telescopes are considered as having fair condition shows visible signs of wearing. It has some problems exhibiting requirements of product specifications. Major flaws also can be found, thus affecting the quality and performance of the scope. Fair scopes are offered “as is” and does not have warranty.

Orion Short Tube 80-T Refracting Telescope

One of the more utilized Orion Telescopes; it is actually the refracting telescope that is known as the small telescope that delivers, has become a more improved optical device.

Just like the Orion telescopes svp 8, this refractor with wide field is very much in demand among the starting sky observers and astronomy enthusiasts as the scope is very easy to use. Those who own the big type of scopes on the other hand, consider this scope as one of those small sized Orion Telescopes that can be brought anywhere as a second device. One can now enjoy its coated optics, and it also comes with a carrying case.



The Orion Short Tube 80-T Refractor is very appropriate for easy stargazing or even earth viewing because of its 80 millimeter achromatic objective lens, short focal length and 6 by 26 correct image finder scope.

With its short focal length, this means that Orion telescopes will provide an enjoyment of wide and scenic field of view. And like other refracting telescopes, it has free light path (without any obstruction) that means sharper and more vivid images.

In spite of the Orion Short Tube 80-T refractor’s small physical size – approximately 15 and ½ inches in length, the scope is definitely big in its optical features. What’s the good thing about the small size of Orion telescopes is their ease to be brought anywhere.

GoScope 70 Backpack Refractors: Amazing Orion Telescopes

Orion refractors are famous for the vivid, great contrast views, and they can be in great competition with other brands, such as Meade telescopes. These make them perfect for observing bright objects such as the planets, the moon and other space objects. These Orion telescopes are great starting refractors as they are built for easy maneuverability, portability and almost zero need for maintenance. Short Orion refracting telescopes, on the other hand, utilize special glass and lens designs, making them the popular choice among serious sky observers and astrophotographers.

Right now, the GoScope 70 refractor is one of the most versatile Orion telescopes designed for the ever busy individual to bring along easily, whether he hits the road, the seas, or air. It is great likewise for bird observations, study of nature and long-distance viewing. This Orion telescope can take you beyond our planet’s horizon during the evening for a night of stargazing and Moon observing.

The GoScope 70 refracting telescope has a coated 70 millimeter achromatic lens and 350 millimeter focal length designed to produce quality resolution images of faraway space objects. The scope is easily set up on a retractable tripod made from aluminum material. The tripod has a locking system that permits easy pointing of the scope. What’s great about this scope is that it can be tucked away easily in a special backpack.

Dobsonian Telescope SkyQuest XT8: With all the Nice Optical Features

Orion Telescopes are one of the best branded astronomical telescopes present in the market today. Especially amazing is the Orion SkyQuest XT8, which possesses all the exciting optical features that you are looking for in a scope.

The Orion Dobsonian telescope SkyQuest XT8 has the fantastic combination of parabolic optics and incredible mechanical stability. The XT8 has an 8 inch parabolic primary mirror to work on nebulas, resolve particular stars within clusters, and explore space structures in the galaxies.

This Orion telescope’s enameled steel tube features a 2 inch Crayford-styled focuser that is compatible with 2 inch as well as 1.25 inch eyepieces. The tube likewise can be moved easily on Teflon bearings for simple point-and-view actions. Dobsonian Orion telescopes also comes with a navigation knob, 1.25 inch Sirius Plossl eyepieces, quick-collimation cap and also a hard dust cap.

Meade LXD-75 Refracting Telescope

Most star observing enthusiasts will go on forever looking at the moon and the planets without hint of boredom, yet their astronomical pursuit is hampered by the exorbitant price of a decent refracting telescope.

If you are one of them – who love to gaze at Venus, Mars or other major planetary bodies – you need not spend so much just to do this. You can go for the Meade telescopes, which can only provide you the best refracting telescope that suits your astronomical needs.

With a Meade telescope, you can have excellent views of the planets of our solar system (except perhaps of Pluto). An excellent model is the Meade LXD 75, which can provide you with vivid observation of Jupiter and its cloud belts as well as the Saturn and its colorful rings.

The Meade LXD 75 can also make you marvel at the four moons of Jupiter, but with the help of required optical accessories. What’s amazing about this Meade telescope is that it allows you to see the clear details of the moon. It’s more like seeing the mountains, seas and craters of the moon – in 3D. Not only that, such telescope helps you research on faraway heavenly bodies such as the nebulae and star clusters. Of course, you will not be denied the chance to observe various mysterious galaxies.

Meade 114EQ-AST: Simple yet Quality Reflecting Telescope

Meade telescopes, especially the reflectors, are the best when it comes to compactness and portability, and is very user-friendly especially to the novice in star-gazing and astronomy hobbyist.

Meade 114EQ-AST Reflecting Telescope for example is a quality optical device yet simple for first timers. Still, it can be considered an advanced gadget that will competently help you in your years of star gazing and observing. In fact, this type of Meade telescope is recommended for use by all stargazing enthusiasts, beginner and veteran astronomers alike.

The Earth performs a full rotation every 24 hours on its own axis rotates once on its axis, and because of this space objects rapidly move thru the telescope field especially during high powers. Object tracking is therefore necessary, and the Meade 114EQ-AST’s equatorial mount facilitates such tracking by the manual turn on the control cables.

This Meade telescope model has a big 114 millimeter diameter mirror, gathering more light (around 360 percent) than the 60 millimeter telescopes. And because of this, with the Meade 114EQ-AST, the much farther space objects are much clearer and in great detail.

Meade etx 60 Digital Telescope

The Meade Telescope company is one of the most trusted when it comes to quality astronomical and refracting telescopes. Together with the Celestron Telescope, this company has established itself as the world’s best producers of astronomical and optical gadgets and devices.

Another type of product that the Meade expertly manufactures is the digital telescope – and one of the more popular brands is the Meade etx 60 if only because it is considered a perfect astronomical optical device for beginners and hobbyists.

The Meade ETX 60 has a 9mm eyepiece and an Autostar, which has the control of the scope’s computer. On the other hand, the optics has the design of a refracting telescope, and has a 350 millimeter focal length.

The Meade ext-60 also boasts of achromatic assembly for its refracting optic tube and internal flip mirrors which helps the users in observing straight up or 90 degree point of observation.

As a beginner digital telescope, this optical gadget has so much to offer. Other features include fork-mounted electric control to be used for slow motion and double axis locking mechanism feature.

Spitzer Space Telescope: Infrared Observatory

Spitzer Space Telescope – also known as Space Infrared Telescope or SIRTF is actually a space infrared observatory. It is recognized as the final (fourth) Great Observatory of NASA.

The planned duration of the nominal mission was 2 and half years, while its pre-launch expectation is that the mission might have an extension of at least 5 or up to the time when the supply of liquid helium was exhausted. This is projected to happen in April of 2009.

In observance of NASA traditions, the telescope was eventually renamed after a successful space operation on 18th December 2003. And unlike most other astronomical telescopes which are given the names of deceased astronomers and space scientists, Space Infrared Telescope’s new name was derived from a contest that was conducted primarily for the general public.

Spitzer Space Telescope’s name was obtained after that of Lyman Spitzer, the first doctor and scientist who suggested putting astronomy telescopes into outer space.

Nice Look at Galileo Telescope

Were it not for the Galileo Telescope, astronomers and space scientists all over the world would not have enjoyed all the benefits that they can obtain from the refracting telescope – in terms of astronomical researches and observations. Yes it was eyepiece and optics piece creators Zacharias Janssen and Hans Lippershey who invented the refractor, yet it was the great Italian astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei who worked further on the instrument, managing to increase its magnification for more power. The renowned scientist, with his knowledge of the principle of refraction, did create his scope into becoming the world’s first working astronomical telescope. Above is a photograph of Galileo Telescope, which became the model for the succeeding professional refracting telescopes. Without a doubt, it was the scientific device that changed wholly the astronomical world.

Awesome Hubble Telescope Contributions

Hubble Space Telescope is undoubtedly the most popular astronomical telescopes that are in existence today, if only because of its great discoveries as well as the amazing Hubble telescope pictures that have awed both the astronomers and the public as well.

The Hubble Telescope has greatly contributed to the advancement of the science of astronomy. It has been a major instrument in making land breaking (or perhaps space breaking?) discoveries, providing answers to many questions, puzzles and problems involving astronomy.

One of the more important contributions of the Hubble Space telescope was its accurate measurement of the distance of Cepheid stars, and because of this, the Hubble Constant’s value was contrained. (Hubble constant is the measurement of rate of the Universe’s expansion.

Another very significant contribution of the Hubble Telescope is that it has become an important factor in estimating the age of our Universe. The extreme importance of the findings of Hubble on this regard proves the great efficiency and reliability of this astronomical telescope as a major (and we can say indispensable) means of uncovering the secrets of the Universe.

We can only appreciate the existence of the Hubble for its unparalleled contributions to space and the astronomical science. And as we enjoy the Hubble Telescope pictures, we might likewise want to thank it for allowing us to see the Universe, even if just in pictures, for all its magnificence and greatness.

(Photo: Eagle Nebula, source: NASA)

Seeing Hubble Telescope in Space

I am able to come across this short documentary about the Hubble Space Telescope. The clip shows the travel of the Hubble on its orbit around our planet Earth at 5 miles per second. Again, we are shown how powerful and effective the Hubble Telescope is compared to other land based astronomy telescope. Because of this amazing space astronomical telescope, astronomers and scientists were able to correct astronomical facts that were previously believed in such as the discoveries of groups of galaxies which were once thought of as lights and gases that graze the expanse of space. The Hubble Space Telescope gives us the chance to understand more about our world and the solar system that it belongs to while having the great opportunities to explore other worlds apart from our own.

Amazing Telescopes by Meade

Meade telescopes are the flagship product of the Meade company, which was founded by John Diebel in 1972. Actually the company started as a small mail-order company selling refracting telescopes and accessories.

Then Meade also sold reflecting telescopes and Schmidt-Cassegrain type afterwards. Gradually the Meade telescope company became a worthy competition to Celestron Telescope company. Today, the Meade is considered one of the largest scope producers and manufacturers in the world.

Most usually have equatorial and alt azimuth scope mounts, with computerized locator of space objects. Other Meade telescopes have scope mounts that will automatically aim at any astronomical object. This kind of high technology feature is what you all “GoTo.”

Meade Accessories

One of the more amazing telescope accessories is the 5000 series eyepiece. This is quite similar to that of Tele Vue Optical’s 82 degree field-of-view Nagler eyepiece and as well as the Radian eyepiece, which as a 60 field-of-view degrees.

Low cost scopes by Meade

The company also has on its inventory some low priced imported Meade starter telescopes such as refractors and reflectors. These are intended for the huge market of new hobbyists and starting astronomers.

2004 Acquisition by Meade Telescope

In 2004, the company was able to acquire Coronado Filters, a company that creates and produces a wide variety of specialty astronomical telescopes. One feature of this scope is that it permits sun views under the wavelengths of Hydrogen-Alpha and Calcium K line.

Hubble Telescope Unveils the Universe

If you need the most awesome pictures of the Universe and space, then the photographs taken by the Hubble Telescope prove to be the best references. Clear images of the planets, stars, galaxies and constellations have already been produced by the Hubble Space Telescope throughout the years.

Such amazingly vivid pictures are major data and evidences in themselves; they are very useful in unraveling the many secrets and baffling truth, as well as the mysteries that shrouded our Universe for the longest time.

Galaxies and other space entities that were barely visible and even blurred in previous photographs are now better studied and closely scrutinized because of Hubble’s excellent quality pictures.

Whereas before, when needed to measure the distance between stars prove to be a very difficult task even with the use of the most powerful earth-based astronomical telescope, it has now become easier to accomplish with the use of the Hubble Space Telescope. And such measurements are very precise that the telescope is now regarded as an indispensable device of modern astronomy.

Indeed, this space telescope is not a great tool in major astronomical applications and has become a key in unlocking many queries in astronomy that for a long time remained unsolved (until now), and continues to be one.

Here is a video I got from youtube on the many discoveries of the Hubble Telescope:

Hubble Space Telescope: A Great Satellite

Since the Hubble Telescope is circling the earth on its orbit, is it considered a satellite too – just like the moon?

It puzzles me on whether the Hubble Space Telescope is a satellite or not, so let us first define the meaning of the word.

The very first time I got acquainted with the word satellite was in the phrase “weather satellite,” as it was frequently mentioned in most evening news programs.

Then there was the Russian Satellite Sputnik, which was considered an artificial space object actually meant to orbit the planet Earth.

So, this means that a celestial object or body circling or orbiting the earth (usually the case) or any other large space body is considered a satellite.

So again, is the Hubble Telescope also one? Primarily a celestial astronomical telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope observes the Earth and its atmosphere, as well as other space objects as it orbits around the planet.

Therefore, aside from the fact that it is an astronomy telescope that makes scientific observations and takes space pictures, it can also be said that the Hubble Telescope is a satellite, an artificial one at that. (Photo Credit: NASA)

Bushnell Telescope - Powerful Astronomical Optics

The Bushnell Telescope, while not as powerful as the outer-space located Hubble Telescope, is one of the most regarded when it comes to land-based astronomy telescope. For more than 50 years, the Bushnell telescope has stayed strongly as a major optical scope brand, providing astronomers and star gazing enthusiasts alike with quality magnified viewing of the skies.

The Bushnell is absolutely great for many uses. Like for example, if you are one who likes to observe both the night skies and land objects, then you can certainly use the Bushnell refracting telescope. It is very much ideal for astronomy newbies as it is very light, easy to bring along to observation sites and quick to set up and mount.

Speaking of Bushnell telescope mounts, this is one of its better features, and that is having a solid base meant for very stable mounting. Therefore you will never experience any shaking or even a slight movement, the usual cause of distorted images of viewed objects. You are assured that the images from Bushnell are to enjoyed because of their perfect vividness and clarity.

Ceres and Vesta Through the Hubble Space Telescope

Ceres and Vesta are two of the most popular bodies in the solar system – and they are also the two of the largest asteroids. Unfortunately, clear photographs of these heavenly bodies are difficult to produce, until recently by the Hubble Telescope.

The pictures of the two asteroids using the Wide Field Planetary Camera of the Hubble Space Telescope are needed for the long term observation mission by Dawn Robotic Space Craft. This is the first time that a close observation of the two asteroids will be done in one mission.

Ceres, the larger asteroid was previously thought of as a planet. Now it is labeled a dwarf planet according to the International Astronomical Union.

Vesta on the other hand, is more irregular in shape and has a prominent crater feature on its South atmosphere.

Early images of the two from astronomical telescopes showed multitude of colors, suggesting volcanic activities on the surface.

Better photographic results from Hubble Telescope

With the larger, clearer photographs of Ceres and Vesta by the Hubble Space Telescope, with results a thousand times better than any other land based astronomy telescope, more significant information on the asteroids will be discovered and certainly will be considered a major link to the creation of our solar system.

Radio Telescopes: In Search of ET's

When we mention about refracting telescope or any other astronomical telescope for that matter, we always think about how images from space such as that of the moon, planets, solar system and even far beyond can be clearly seen. And really a thousand times better than if you are going to use your naked eye.

Telescopes in fact are meant to study the universe and what it has been and become for billions of years. In fact, the images that you might have been observing from your peek through an observatory telescope are millions and millions, even billions of years old.

But what about the search for ET’s or aliens on outer space. Are telescopes also capable of finding or detecting any intelligent life that’s present anywhere in the universe? Surely your refractor or reflecting telescope is not equipped to find one even if you train it up the sky 24 hours a day.

Actually there is one that’s intended to look for ET’s – and this is the radio telescope. By the way, there is what we call SETI, the acronym for search for extraterrestrial intelligence. This phrase was coined as the pursuit of scientists and astronomers to search for alien beings intensified.

There are some radio telescopes that exist with the main purpose of detecting and identifying alien life forms. Two of such scopes are the Allen Telescope, found in California and the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico. Hopefully, with the sheer power of these telescopes working non-stop every minute of the year, success of finding a life form other than our own will become a reality.