Astronomy & Telescopes : How to Use a Telescope With Setting Circles
Shopping for An Astronomy Telescope
When we were children we were often taught that we could wish upon the first star that we saw in the evening sky. After that wish was made and if we believed hard enough our wish would come true. Eventually, our childhood fantasies gave way to fact as we became more educated. This education was accomplished through astronomy classes, space exploration and other educational means.
The word astronomy is comprised of two Greek words. The Greek word astro means star shaped or star and pertains to outer space. The word onomy literally means the study of. Therefore, astronomy is the study of the stars.
One of the major tools that assists amateur and professional astronomers in understanding and respecting the galaxy is the astronomy telescope. When looking to purchase a good astronomy telescope there are a number of factors that you can keep in mind. First, of all consider some practical suggestions, remember it is about the diameter of the lens, and make sure your telescope has a solid stand.
Practical Suggestions
Before you purchase your astronomy telescope it is important to conduct your research. One way of conducting this research can be accomplished by accessing the Internet and learning more about telescopes. Some of the questions that you should endeavor to answer surround what features to look for in a telescope, approximate cost, recommended brands, etc.
Another practical suggestion, before you purchase your astronomy telescope, is to "test drive" a telescope. This can be accomplished by joining an astronomy club. Often these clubs will have a stargazing event which will allow you to peer through the telescopes owned by the various members.
Another way of conducting research, prior to purchasing an astronomy telescope, is to ask the members in the club as to what telescope they would recommend. The key is education. Listen for the features they recommend, brand names, the diameter of the lens, price, etc.
Also, you may come across a member of the club who is considering the purchase of a new telescope. If so, you may be able to purchase their used telescope.
Diameter Of The Lens
When considering the purchase of an astronomy telescope it is important to remember what is the key feature surrounding your purchase. That key feature should focus on the diameter of the lens of the telescope and not its advertised magnification.
This is because the diameter of the lens equates to the amount of light that can be received by the telescope. Therefore, the larger the diameter of the lens the more light that is captured. This in turn allows for the image that you are viewing to become more visible.
Solid Base
Another very important feature when considering the purchase of your astronomy telescope is to ensure that it has a solid base. Generally, these bases or mounts are tripods.
It is important that when the telescope is mounted on these bases that the telescope does not shake or move. Obviously, any movement by the telescope, when peering into space, will distort the image being viewed and provide a negative experience.
![]() Celestron 21037 PowerSeeker 70EQ Telescope List Price: Sale Price: $89.93 You save: $73.02 (45%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() Description70mm (2.8") diameter refractor, 700mm focal length (f/10), German equatorial mount with RA and DEC slow-motion controls and setting circles, 5x24 finderscope, 20mm eyepiece (35x) - 1-1/4", 4mm eyepiece (175x) - 1-1/4", erect image diagonal - 1-1/4", Barlow lens 3x - 1-1/4", adjustable aluminum tripod with accessory tray, "The Sky Level 1" CD-ROM. Metallic charcoal black tube color. ReviewsPlastic Here And Plastic There This is not for kids as usability is concerned Great Beginners Scope |
![]() BARSKA 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod And Carrying Case List Price: Sale Price: $52.94 You save: $74.56 (58%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() DescriptionMax power: 300x, Focal Length (mm) 400, Finder scope: 5x24, Draw Tube (inch): 1.25, Eyepiece#1:SR4, Eyepiece #2: K20, Diagonal: 45°, . The Barska 40070 Starwatcher Compact Refractor Telescope with Table Top Tripod and Carrying Case is an ideal telescope for the aspiring amateur astronomer. Ideal for students or those interested in learning more about the night sky, the 70mm objective lens can zoom up to 300x power. Use one of the interchangeable eyepieces with a 3x power Barlow lens for increased viewing capability. A pan-head mount and tripod is included with the telescope along with a handy carrying case. Take this portable telescope outdoors at night and the stars will open up before your eyes. Features
ReviewsGreat Bargain Worst telescope product ever. GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY! waste of money , terrible service by optics planet great telescope very powerful |
![]() BARSKA 900114 Starwatcher Reflector Telescope List Price: Sale Price: $124.94 You save: $170.56 (58%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours DescriptionMax power: 675x, Focal Length (mm) 900, Finder scope: RED DOT, Draw Tube (inch): 1.25, Eyepiece#1:SR4, Eyepiece #2: K20, Diagonal: No Features
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![]() Celestron 114LCM Computerized Telescope (Black) List Price: Sale Price: $275.33 You save: $202.62 (42%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() DescriptionAutomatically Locates The Wonders Of The Universe With Its Motorized System & On Board Computer! All glass, fully coated optics reveal the depths of our solar system and the wonders of the Universe. Fully adjustable tripod features a convenient accessory tray. Easy to use computerized hand control allows user to locate objects at the touch of a button. Features
ReviewsMy first telescope |
![]() Celestron Nexstar 114GT 114mm Go-To Reflector Telescope List Price: Sale Price: $249.77 You save: $348.23 (58%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Average Rating: ![]() DescriptionCelestron NexStar 114GT Specifications **Brightness Rating of 3.5 **Limiting Stellar Magnitude of 12 -- **114mm (4.5") Reflector -- **1000mm f/9 Focal Length -- **Star Pointer Finderscope -- **Motorized Altazimuth Mount -- **25mm SMA (40x) and 10mm SMA (100x) Eyepieces -- **Accessory Tray -- **Fully Computerized -- **4,000 Object Database -- **Assembled Weight: 15.5 lbs. -- The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces. -- Its large 4.5" diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are clearly visible. Most exciting is the wide variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use. -- All you need to know is the general direction of North, your closest major city (included in the instruction manual), plus the date and time, and you will be observing planets, stars and more within moments. -- NexStar computerized telescopes are so straightforward, astronomers at all levels can locate over 4,000 pre-programmed stars, planets, and other celestial objects right out of the box. Plus, fully assembled tripod ad pre-installed electronics make set up quick (taking only seconds) and simple. -- All of our NexStar Telescopes come equippped with 2- 1.25" eyepieces and everything you need including the hand controller. -- Limited Quantities Available - On Sale Now! Amazon.com Product Description Celestron likes to say, "the only simple thing about NexStar is its operation," and we have to agree. The sophisticated NexStar 114 GT is quite easy to assemble, even for a complete novice. Once you put the scope together and mount it on the sturdy aluminum tripod (also included), simply take the hand control with illuminated dual 16-character LCD display, and dial in the date, location, and position of north. Using its quiet, high-precision servo motor, the NexStar automatically aligns itself with the night sky. Reflectors This is a reflector telescope. Reflectors (also known as Newtonian reflectors or catoptrics) capture light with a mirror at the bottom of a tube, which sends the image to the eyepiece at the top of the tube. First-time telescope users sometimes have difficulty with the idea of looking through the side of a telescope, but the big draw for reflectors is that they are by far the cheapest to manufacture--and thus offer the best value--of all telescope types. They also generally have zero chromatic aberration. Read more about different telescope designs in our buying guide From there it is a breeze to select what you want to see using the computerized hand control, which features automatic slewing to over 4,000 celestial objects, as well as manual high-speed slewing and fine-centering at the touch of a button. Even a beginner can master this telescope within just a few observing sessions. Also provided: a Star Pointer finderscope designed to help you point the telescope while scanning the sky with both eyes, the Sky Level I CD-ROM with a database of 10,000 celestial objects, and a sturdy, adjustable aluminum tripod with an accessory tray. Featuring a 114mm (4.5-inch) diameter Newtonian reflector with a focal length of 1,000mm (focal ratio of f/9), this telescope affords approximately 265 times the light-gathering power of the naked eye. And, with the two eyepieces (25mm and 10mm) included here, it offers maximum magnifications of 40x and 100x, making it capable of revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. The NexStar 114 Newtonian reflector has 265 times the light gathering power of the average human eye, revealing fine detail within galaxies and nebulae. This compact design brings objects into view with a 114mm aperture, 1000mm focal length capable of achieving magnifications of 40x and 100x with the included eyepieces. Its large 4.5" diameter outshines smaller scopes. Polar caps on Mars become visible along with the cloud belts on Jupiter. The rings of Saturn are also clearly visible. Perhaps most exciting is the sheer variety of deep sky objects (stars, clusters, nebulae). Because of their optical design, reflectors are best suited for astronomical use. Specifications summarized: 114mm (4.5") diameter Newtonian Reflector Focal Length of 1000mm Focal Ratio of f/9 Weight: 15.5 Lbs. Standard accessories for the NexStar 114 GT: 25mm (40x) and 10mm (100x) 1.25" SMA Eyepieces Star Pointer Finderscope The Sky Level I CD-ROM Sturdy, Adjustable Aluminum Tripod with Accessory Tray GT models come with the complete Go-To computer hand control Moon viewing 101 The moon is often one of the first celestial objects a beginner will look at through his or her telescope. Here are a couple hints for you once you get your hands on your new NexStar 114. Often, it is tempting to look at the Moon when it is full. At this time, the face we see is fully illuminated and its light can be overpowering. In addition, little or no contrast can be seen during this phase. One of the best times to observe the Moon is during its partial phases (around the time of first or third quarter). Long shadows reveal a great amount of detail on the lunar surface. At low power you will be able to see most of the lunar disk at one time. The optional Reducer/Corrector lens allows for breath-taking views of the entire lunar disk when used with a low power eyepiece. Change to higher power (magnification) to focus in on a smaller area. Choose the lunar tracking rate from the NexStar's MENU tracking rate options to keep the moon centered in the eyepiece even at high magnifications. Observing the Planets Other fascinating targets include the five naked-eye planets. You can see Venus go through its lunar-like phases. Mars can reveal a host of surface detail and one, if not both, of its polar caps. You will be able to see the cloud belts of Jupiter and the great Red Spot (if it is visible at the time you are observing). In addition, you will also be able to see the moons of Jupiter as they orbit the giant planet. Saturn, with its beautiful rings, is easily visible at moderate power. Remember that atmospheric conditions are usually the limiting factor on how much planetary detail will be visible. So avoid observing the planets when they are low on the horizon or when they are directly over a source of radiating heat, such as a rooftop or chimney. The Nuts and Bolts of the NexStar 114 GT Lens Cover Optical Tube Fork Arm Tripod Accessory Tray w/ hand control holder Hand Control Collimation Adjustment Knobs Tube Ring Eyepiece Star Pointer Finderscope Features
ReviewsHand Controller is a joke. Great Scope Nexstar 114GT A Nice telescope for a beginner Good and affordable motorized telescope! |
![]() Celestron 60LCM Computerized Telescope (Black) List Price: Sale Price: $199.00 You save: $158.95 (44%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours DescriptionAutomatically Locates The Wonders Of The Universe With Its Motorized System & On Board Computer! All glass, fully coated optics reveal the depths of our solar system and the wonders of the Universe. Fully adjustable tripod features a convenient accessory tray. Easy to use computerized hand control allows user to locate objects at the touch of a button. Features
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![]() Celestron SkyMaster 20x80 Binoculars List Price: Sale Price: $99.89 You save: $233.06 (70%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() DescriptionThe SkyMaster Series of large aperture binoculars from Celestron offer phenomenal performance for astronomical viewing. They are also a great choice for terrestrial use, especially over long distances. All models feature high quality BAK-4 prisms and have multi-coatings for enhanced contrast. The 80 and 100mm models are waterproof and feature structural reinforcement of the main body for maximum stability and secure optical alignment - in addition, they have a built-in super-rigid photo tripod adapter. When it's time to gaze at the stars or take in some long-distance or low-light terrain viewing, look no further than the Celestron 71018 SkyMaster 20 x 80 binoculars. Featuring high quality BAK-4 prisms, multi-coated optics for enhanced contrast, a diopter adjustment for fine focusing, and large apertures, these binoculars offer phenomenal performance. The Celestron 71018 features a 20x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 80 millimeters, giving it a 4-millimeter exit pupil. (The exit pupil size -- the diameter of the objective lens divided by the magnification -- determines the amount of light available to your eye. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image obtained will be. A three-millimeter exit pupil is generally sufficient for daytime use, five-millimeters is suitable for daytime and twilight, and seven-millimeters is generally necessary for maximum nighttime or astronomy use.) The Celestron 71018 also includes an integrated tripod adapter rod, a deluxe padded soft carrying case, and Celestron's No Fault Limited Lifetime Warranty. What's in the Box Celestron 71018 Binoculars and deluxe padded soft carrying case Features
ReviewsWow! Awesome value Wonderful Binocs Skymaster 20X80 Great Binoculars |
![]() Celestron 21068 SkyScout Scope 90mm Telescope with Sky Scout Mounting Braket List Price: Sale Price: Too low to display Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() Description90mm (3.5”) diameter refractor, 660mm focal length (f/7), altazimuth mount with pan handle and built-in clutch, 6x30 finderscope, 40mm eyepiece (16.5x) - 1.25”, 10mm eyepiece (66x) - 1.25”, adjustable SkyScout mounting bracket, erect image fully coated optics, adjustable height stainless steel leg tripod with accessory tray, “The Sky Level 1” CD-ROM Features
ReviewsNice telescope. Great for beginning star geeks |
![]() Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope List Price: Sale Price: $227.73 You save: $211.22 (48%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating: ![]() Description130mm (5”) diameter Newtonian reflector, 650mm focal length (f/5), German equatorial mount (CG-3) with RA and DEC slow-motion controls and setting circles, built-on Star Pointer finderscope, 20mm erect image eyepiece (33x), 10mm eyepiece (65x) 1.25”, adjustable height 1.25” steel leg tripod withaccessory tray, “The Sky Level 1” CD-ROM. Features
ReviewsAstro Mmaster 130EQ MD Great telescope but it needs a real finderscope. |
![]() Green Laser Pointer 25 mW Professional Military Astronomy Grade List Price: Sale Price: $8.47 You save: $61.52 (88%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Average Rating: ![]() DescriptionThis product is primarily intended for use in Astronomy, Military or Professional Applications. Features
ReviewsPhenomenal! Just does not work - save your money Laser My 17 Year Old Son Thinks it's Great BEST LASER |

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