Astronomical telescopes
Discussion
These look a bit tempting in a 'shiny thing' kind of way. But what do you actually do with them once you've checked out the moon and planets?
Doesn't one star look much like another?
Comet hunting sounds a bit specialised, so what do you actually look at during the hours in the observatory?
Doesn't one star look much like another?
Comet hunting sounds a bit specialised, so what do you actually look at during the hours in the observatory?
Dr Jekyll said:
These look a bit tempting in a 'shiny thing' kind of way. But what do you actually do with them once you've checked out the moon and planets?
Doesn't one star look much like another?
Comet hunting sounds a bit specialised, so what do you actually look at during the hours in the observatory?
It depends on how much interest you want to take, Saturn changes in terms of the angle of its ring Jupiters Moons are always moving, you can spot nebular's but if your the type of person who may look through a lens and think saw that yesterday can't see much point in this then its probably not for you, Stars are different in terms of size and colour Doesn't one star look much like another?
Comet hunting sounds a bit specialised, so what do you actually look at during the hours in the observatory?
Astro photography would provide more of a challenge but some of us just marvel at the sight of the objects, they don't exactly 'do' anything in terms of 'entertainment' or 'experience' its just nice to observe from your place in the universe
If you into Math you can play with figures around time space and distance
Excited......get a telescope if not why not go to an observatory group and see if its for you there's lots about
http://www.visitkielder.com/play/discover/dark-ski...
http://www.midkentastro.org.uk
Edited by Toaster on Saturday 5th December 16:38
I certainly wouldn't dash out to buy a telescope unless I was keen on the subject of astronomy in the first place. To the uninitiated, what you see through even a good amateur telescope can appear disappointing - especially if you are familiar with Hubble images or Brian Cox type TV programmes.
Keen amateurs, of course, will know full well what their instruments can and can't do - and they also will know what they are looking at.
I've been keen on astronomy since I was a kid but I've never really been tempted to splash out a lot of money on telescopes. I'm happy to learn from books and a bit of naked eye/binocular astronomy.
Keen amateurs, of course, will know full well what their instruments can and can't do - and they also will know what they are looking at.
I've been keen on astronomy since I was a kid but I've never really been tempted to splash out a lot of money on telescopes. I'm happy to learn from books and a bit of naked eye/binocular astronomy.
Eric Mc said:
I To the uninitiated, what you see through even a good amateur telescope can appear disappointing
!!! can't agree with you Eric, even Saturn through a 90 mm Scope such as this http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/tel... looks like a Christmas tree bauble to those who see for the very first time always get very excited. Oh and School I had the privilege of being involved in building a 6" reflecting telescope and by building I also include grinding the Mirror (along with the math involved) it can be all very exciting.
Eric Mc said:
Toaster said:
!!! can't agree with you Eric,
I literally fell out of my chair with surprise.Show someone Saturn through a decent telescope and they will be impressed, show someone a galaxy, and they will want to see more than the grey smudge that will likely be present!
Toaster said:
!!! can't agree with you Eric, even Saturn through a 90 mm Scope such as this http://www.celestron.com/browse-shop/astronomy/tel... looks like a Christmas tree bauble to those who see for the very first time always get very excited.
I have the Sky Watcher version of that, think its exactly the same minus the goto. And as you suggest viewing Saturn was indeed pretty cool first few times. But even taking it to dark Sky sites I am running out of new things to do with it really. Glad I have it but I dont think I will be spending much more on the hobby for a good while.I go to different amateur astronomy meets, regents park, astro camp etc.. and would recommend going and trying a few so as to have realistic expectations. Everyone I have met so far has been more than accommodating and happy to advise.
Also think about the quality of your local sky (city/street lights etc..)
Yes, this is the major scientific discovery that I made. In summer, when it is nice and warm, nights start later and don't last very long. Then in winter, when it gets nice and dark conveniently early, some bugger made the weather cold, and then covered the northern hemisphere in clouds! Who knew!
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