The Difference Between Refracting and Reflecting Telescopes

The difference between a refracting and a reflecting telescope is in their optical construction. The refracting telescope uses a system of lenses to refract light rays, while a reflecting telescope uses a system of mirrors to reflect light rays. Reflectors are usually used to view brighter stars and planets.

Reflecting and Refracting Telescope

If you'd like to view many different objects both during the day and at night, it might be wise for you to invest in both a reflecting telescope and a refracting telescope, since you'll be able to view a wider variety of stars, planets, and other objects.

Amateur Telescopes for the Backyard Astronomer

Generally, experts agree that most telescopes priced under $300 are less than adequate even for the amateur or backyard astronomer. These cheaper scopes simply don't gather enough light and will disappoint the amateur sooner or later. Look for an amateur telescope that costs more than $300, and buy it from a reputable dealer, not at the mall or in one of those "nature" shops. Those amateur telescopes are really little better than toys.

What is a Radio Telescope?

Radio telescopes were developed to listen for radio waves in space. The simplest telescopes consist of antennas, a receiver and amplifier, and a recorder to record the incoming data. The largest radio telescope in the world is located in Aricebo Puerto Rico, and measures 1000 feet in diameter.

Orion Telescope and Binoculars

Orion makes a variety of binoculars in addition to telescopes and accessories. Many experts recommend you begin stargazing with a good set of binoculars to get yourself accustomed to finding objects and see if you really like stargazing. Orion telescope and binoculars go hand in hand, and you can easily graduate from one to the other.

Orion Telescope Review

Owners agree, their Orion telescopes, especially the Dobsonian models, are easy to set up, and they give excellent results. One user said of his Orion SkyQuest XT10i Dobsonian, "Considering square inches of aperture per dollar and quality I'm pretty sure this is the best scope on the market." Other reviews concur.

Bushnell Telescopes

Bushnell telescopes are some of the most recognized and popular telescopes in astronomy. They offer scopes from beginner to expert, with a wide variety of sizes and mounts. Bushnell optics are quality optics that you can count on in your astronomical viewing.

Bushnell Astronomical Telescopes

If you're interested in looking into deep space, there are several Bushnell astronomical telescopes that will meet your needs. Many Bushnell astronomical telescopes include the "Go To" commander that will find the stars and planets you're looking for.

Telescope Software

Today, most telescopes come with their own advanced software to help you link with your PC and locate objects in the night sky. Often, you can "autoguide" your telescope from you PC, and view the results on your monitor, while the telescope stays outside and does all the work! Ask about this advance telescope software when you purchase your telescope.

Coronado Telescopes

Looking for a professional grade telescope appropriate for an amateur? Coronado telescopes are the choice of professionals everywhere. Now they are providing innovation telescope solutions for the amateur market, too. They provide several models appropriate for beginning astronomers so look closely at their product line. Whenever you can get a product so highly endorsed by professionals, you know you are on the right track.

Buying your First Telescope

The Main thing telescopes are designed to do is gather light. So, when you buy your first telescope you should look for a scope that has the largest aperture you can afford, because the size of the aperture indicates how much light the telescope can gather. There are variables, such as reflecting or refracting (see above), motor drives, and many other bells and whistles that can make your stargazing more enjoyable. Before you buy your first telescope, read up on the newest technologies, subscribe to a couple of astronomy magazines, and look through some telescopes to see what you like the best.

Cassegrain Telescopes

Cassegrain telescopes literally "bend" the light coming into the telescope by using a series of mirrors, which greatly reduces the length of the scope, and reduces the weight, too. There are several different types of Cassegrain scopes" Schmidt-Cassegrain, Maksutov-Cassegrain, and Schmidt Cameras. Each type produces different results. To find out the differences, read a telescope buying guide, to decide which type of Cassegrain telescope is right for you.

Books on Astronomy

Books on astronomy run the gamut from beginner to expert, and can help you decide what planets and stars you'd like to concentrate on in the night sky. Sky Maps can help you find objects as you gaze through your telescope, and give you an idea of the many objects nearby some of the more popular constellations and planets.

Dobsonian Mount

The Dobsonian Mount was invented in the 1970s by John Dobsonian. It was designed to hold massive Newtonian Reflecting telescopes securely on the ground to provide a steady image. It is often used on Dobsonian telescopes that have very large apertures - anywhere between 6- and 20-+ inches! Many Dobsonian telescopes use the Dobsonian Mount, while others use the Equatorial Mount.

Astronomy Software

Astronomy software makes viewing the night skies easier, more enjoyable, and helps you learn where to look for constellations and stars. There are many excellent astronomy programs geared to beginners or more advanced users, including the Starry Nights family of software.