If you enjoy looking at the stars and the moon at night, you may have considered purchasing a telescope at some point. However, with so many telescopes on the market and each manufacturer touting theirs as the best, it can be difficult to choose which one is best for you. As a result, it is critical to conduct thorough research and learn some of the critical components that go into making a good telescope, the most important of which are the aperture of your achromatic lenses and the stability of the stand.
This article discusses important factors that every beginning astronomer should consider before purchasing a telescope. Continue reading to learn more.
5 Tips for Selecting the Right Telescope
- Explore and Learn About the Sky
When caught up in the excitement of the moment, it is easy to go on a shopping spree. Do not attempt this with a telescope. A telescope is a technical item, and it is easy to end up with something you will never use. So, before you buy that telescope, decide what you’re going to look at. Familiarize yourself with the night sky; learn the constellations and star charts, as well as how to identify major planets. So, before you get that telescope, get some simple binoculars and explore the sky with them!
- Understand That It Is Not About Magnification Power
Magnification has nothing to do with telescope power, so don’t believe anything based on magnification power. Understand that a magnifying lens can only do so much because the aperture limits the image’s sharpness. As a result, opt for a telescope with a power range of 25x to 150x; anything higher is overkill. Furthermore, you can change the magnification power of your device by simply switching out the lenses.
- Consider the Aperture of Your Main Lens
So, what exactly is an aperture? The diameter of the primary lens that collects and focuses light, making blurry views sharper, is referred to as the aperture. This is significant because it determines whether you see blurry or sharper objects. The larger the aperture, technically, the better your telescope. This is because larger apertures produce more light and sharper objects. If you’re new to stargazing, a telescope with a 4-5 inch aperture is a good place to start, and you can always upgrade later if you want to see more than just stars and planets.
- Go for a Simple and Steady Mount
Another important consideration is the mount; choose a stable mount that allows you to manoeuvre easily. The altitude azimuth mount is ideal for beginners. This mount is straightforward, and it, like a photographic tripod, moves up and down and left to right. As a beginner, you should avoid equatorial mounts; despite being advertised as beginner-friendly, they have many complex control features. If you want a smooth stargazing experience, avoid cheap wobbly mounts.
- Consider Your Budget
As a beginner stargazer, don’t break your neck trying to use an expensive telescope. Instead, go with a small telescope that you can easily afford. Remember, you’re just getting started, so a simple telescope capable of detecting major planets and constellations will suffice. When you are ready to spot complex objects in space, you can consider upgrading.
Conclusion
The amount of information you obtain from your telescope is determined by your technical knowledge of the sky. As a result, even before purchasing the telescope, make certain that you will be able to use it. Also, keep in mind that the size of the aperture, rather than the magnifying power, determines the quality of a telescope. Choose a simple and steady mount if you want a smooth stargazing experience. Finally, an expensive telescope is unnecessary; instead, choose one that you can afford comfortably.
