Astronomy
Informative astronomy articles plus books and videos about astronomy, astrophysics and astrophotography
|
|
 |
How To Choose The Right Telescope For Your Astronomy Interests
by Gregg Hall If there were one kind of telescope that was the only kind of telescope worth getting, there would be no market for any others. Yet, there are many different kinds being sold. This leads to the fact that not all are right for all people. When you are shopping for a telescope, it is wise to consider your particular needs.
The first thing to think about is what you want to look at. For example, the moon is seen best with certain refractor telescopes. Bird watching is also a good hobby for those with refractor telescope. However, if you want to do explorations into the deep sky, refractors are not a good choice. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Newtonian reflector telescope is a good general telescope, but you would not have much luck using it in daytime situations. The best one for deep sky observation is the 6"-25" reflector telescope. It is not a good overall telescope, though, and it does not work well for daytime viewing.
One of the best general telescopes is the compound telescope, which uses both lenses and mirrors. It is also good for astrophotography. If you want to record your celestial finds for posterity, taking photos of them just makes sense. Many of the sights you see will never come around again in your lifetime, if ever. Take a picture of the object in the sky and you can share it with your grandkids someday.
There are also accessories that can help you use your telescope for just the purpose you choose. A star diagonal can help you look at an object that is high in the sky without making you hold your body and neck in an uncomfortable position. An erecting prism can bring images right side up if you are looking at daytime objects such as birds.
Another point to consider is where you will be when you view the sky. If you are in the city, you will be faced with overcoming light pollution. Without a dark place to observe from, you need the best telescope for the job. Compound telescopes and refractors are the best. If you have a reflector telescope, it will be overwhelmed by the urban light. |
|
|
|
|
|
If you live in the suburbs, your landscape is probably somewhat polluted with lights, but less so than in the city. This moderate light can accommodate all types of telescopes equally well. In this case, use other means of deciding which telescope to choose.
If you live out in the country, the skies can get very dark. It would seem that this is a good thing when looking at the night sky. Refractors sometimes do not gather enough light for you to see the objects you want to see, though. Compound and reflectors bring the light into your telescope where you want it.
If you want to choose the best telescope for you, it is important to understand what the options are. You also have to go into it with an idea of what your needs are when it comes to using a telescope. Knowing these two things can help you get one you can enjoy for years.
Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about astronomy as well as telescopes at http://www.nsearch.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Find books about astronomy Universe 6th ed by Roger A. Freedman, William Kaufmann
”6th edition with "Starry Night" CD-ROM (which provides a view of the skies from any place on Earth between 4713 BC and AD 9990)...”
The Cambridge Star Atlas by Wil Tirion
”Wil Tirion is the world's foremost designer of astronomical maps. For this new edition he has devised improved versions of all the charts...”
Introductory Astronomy and Astrophysics by Michael Zeilik, Stephen A. Gregory
”This introduction to astronomy was simply breathtaking. Packed with information and easily accessable to the casual reader and student alike...”
Astronomy for GCSE by Patrick Moore, Chris Lintott
”this is an excellent introduction to general astronomy and, indeed, GCSE Astronomy...”
The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking
”The Universe in a Nutshell is the best popular science book I have ever read. Professor Stephen Hawking deserves many more than five stars for this book”
Teach Yourself Astronomy by Patrick Moore
”Astronomy is still one of the few sciences where the amateur can play a useful role and may even make important discoveries. Teach Yourself Astronomy is the ideal book for someone who would like to take a real interest in astronomy, but does not know where to start..”
Philip’s Stargazing With a Telescope by Robin Scagell
”This guide reveals what to expect from a telescope and how to choose the right one, and gives explanations of how they work, and how to progress from first-time user to hobby observer...”
Mapping Mars by Oliver Morton
"Reading Mapping Mars is like having a course of personal, one-on-one lectures by a teacher whose love and passion for their subject comes across with every word.." Astrophotography for the Amateur by Michael A. Covington
"a complete guide to taking pictures of stars, galaxies, the Moon, the Sun, comets, meteors and eclipses, using equipment and materials readily available to the hobbyist.."
Star Maps for Beginners by I.M.Levitt, Roy K. Marshall
"the only star map book I've ever seen in which the maps actually look like the night sky.."
Philip’s Guide to Stars and Planets by Patrick Moore
"has star maps of all 88 constellations, location charts for the planets and complete practical details for the amateur astronomer.."
Photographic Atlas of the Moon Albert Lim, S. M. Chong, P. S. Ang
"The Photographic Atlas of the Moon is a day-by-day photographic guide to observing the features of the Moon through a small telescope.... All lunar features are labelled using current IAU terminology.."
The Yearbook of Astronomy by Patrick Moore
"includes an extensive range of specially commissioned articles by some of the world's top astronomers, as well as a collection of charts and astronomical data..." Voyager's Grand Tour H. Dethloff
“detailed information and photographs...”
The Origins of Life and the Universe Paul F. Lurquin
"the origin of the universe, matter, stars and planetary systems..."
Concise Catalog of Deep-sky Objects: Atrophysical Information
for 500 Galaxies, Clusters and Nebulae Warren H. Finlay
"This book is a must-have for scientifically-minded amateurs who'd like to have state-of-the art knowledge of what they are seeing when they look out into the dark sky..."
|
|
|
|
Make money from your hobby
“Using your present hobby or favorite pastime as your business base has many benefits. Why? Because any business you decide to become involved in should be doing something you LOVE something you believe in, something that you would work at NO MATTER what income it would generate...” read more |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Websites related to astronomy www.astronomy.net
The Astronomy Net contains articles, forums, clubs, vendors, manufacturers and other resources important to those interested in Astronomy. stargazerslounge.com
Online forum for anyone interested in planets, stars, nebulas, galaxies and anything to do with astronomy
|
|
Astronomical supplies www.firstlightoptics.co.uk
online supplier of astronomy and optical equipment www.dhinds.co.uk
Astronomical equipment and astronomy supplies, including Celestron telescopes, binoculars and ccd cameras www.khanscope.com
US supplier of new and used telescopes and accessories for astronomers |
|
|
|
|
World of Hobbies - the quick reference site for hobby books, dvd videos and hobby related information
Find books, videos and information on astronomy |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|