![]() ![]() Of course, other deep-sky objects may be viewed, with larger aperture Schmidt-Cassegrains providing the most satisfying experience.Īlthough the views may not be quite as tack sharp as those from refractors, they are a popular choice as a happy compromise between large enough aperture and manageable size.īecause of the higher magnifications provided by these telescopes, the object being observed will more quickly move out of view, and so they are often purchased with electronic tracking mounts to follow the targets as they move. When sky conditions allow, details can be seen within the coloured bands of Jupiter and various colour bands on Saturn, along with the Cassini and other divisions of Saturn’s glorious ring system, not to mention polar caps and features on Mars. Telescopes mounted in this way are known as Dobsonians and, compared penny for penny, offer the most cost-effective and rewarding views of the deep sky.Ĭelestron StarSense Explorer DX 6-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain This can be turned freely around, while the telescope can pivot up and down and thus be pointed anywhere in the sky. Smaller models up to 12 inches or so can be used on tripod-style mounts similar to those used for refractors.Ī popular alternative option, though, is to mount the telescope tube onto a rotating base that sits on the floor. This design allows for much larger apertures than are possible with refractors, and amateur reflectors are available right up to a whopping 500mm diameter. Light entering the tube is reflected back inside the tube onto a much smaller angled secondary mirror, and then out through the side of the telescope near the top end, which is where the interchangeable eyepiece goes. Reflecting telescopes have an open tube at the front and a round mirror inside the bottom of the tube, called the primary mirror. This is the Orion 6-inch f/4 Newtonian astrograph. Newtonians are among the most common reflectors used by amateur astronomers. There is no doubt that a decent refractor, on a sturdy mount or tripod, can provide a thrilling stargazing experience, and whet the appetite for further sessions for many years. Lunar views too should be sharp with good definition in craters and rille features, as the larger optics enable the telescope to reveal more detail. Surface colours and details may be seen on Saturn, Jupiter and even Mars on a good night. ![]() However, larger refractors 100mm in diameter and upwards can really open up the skies, and under reasonably dark skies there will be hundreds of deep-sky objects that can be viewed including galaxies, globular clusters of stars and bright nebulae. Some brighter galaxies and nebulae may be visible under good skies, and with experience it becomes easier to pick out the interesting objects. Generally speaking, smaller refractors less than 90mm diameter are best suited for wider views of the night sky, which might include star clusters like the famous Pleiades, M45.Īlthough some detail and moons may be seen when observing Jupiter and Saturn, in either case the planet itself will appear quite small and very bright in the view. ![]() The quality of the optics in the telescope, determined predominantly by their cost, will have a significant bearing on the quality of the views, and the cheap refractors that tend to be popular at electrical goods and camera shops are often disappointing.
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