Telescopes capture the light and allow for spectacular observation experiences. The emotion aroused by the sight of distant galaxies, brilliant star clusters, unique nebulae, planets of the solar system and lunar characteristics is simply indescribable.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Get a Telescope
Step 1. Consider the type of telescope
Each model is best suited to a different type of observation. There are three basic kinds of telescopes: refractors, reflectors and catadioptrics. The choice is determined by what you want to observe, your position and so on.
- The refracting telescope is essentially a long thin tube with an objective lens at the front that captures and concentrates light. This model is suitable for observing the moon, planets and offers a beautiful clear image. It is easy to transport and requires no special maintenance. Unfortunately, it is not easy to see subtle bodies such as galaxies and nebulae.
- The reflecting telescope (also called Newtonian) uses a large concave mirror, instead of lenses, to accumulate and concentrate light. This is the most suitable model for beginners, it offers good visibility, even if humidity tends to condense on the optics, creating a lot of discomfort. With a mirror telescope you cannot make terrestrial observations.
- The catadioptric telescope is a composite model, a combination of mirrors and lenses. It is great for astro photography and is much easier to carry than the reflector type. These are more versatile telescopes, albeit much more expensive than the other models.
Step 2. Evaluate the region you live in
You will need a different power tool based on where you make your observations. You must evaluate whether you will use the telescope in an area with a lot or little light pollution, where it rains a lot or a little and so on.
- If you want to (for example) also observe birds with your instrument, then you should not buy a reflector, as it does not allow you to see terrestrial objects.
- If there is a lot of dew in your area and you plan to use the telescope at night, you can think of a refractor or a catadioptric.
Step 3. Consider what you are going to see
Celestial bodies such as planets, the moon and nearby stars must be observed with a powerful instrument, with good contrast and high resolution. So, if you are interested in these kinds of astronomical objects, you should aim for a refracting or reflecting telescope. If you want to observe galaxies and nebulae instead, you need an instrument with a large aperture, so choose a mirror telescope with a large diameter.
Step 4. Evaluate the capacity of the telescope
People mistakenly believe that a tool with high magnification automatically guarantees better resolution and sharper images, but that's not exactly the case. The greater the magnification, the more the brightness of the images is diluted and any blur is amplified.
- For each model, the maximum magnification is 50x for every 25 mm of opening diameter. This means that if you have a reflecting telescope with an aperture diameter of 150 mm, then the magnification is 300x (for a model with a 75 mm aperture you would have a magnification power of 150x).
- Even if you rely on Barlow lenses, excessive magnification only leads to a blurry image. The image that a telescope offers can only be magnified up to a certain point.
Part 2 of 3: Getting to know the Telescope
Step 1. Learn to use the finder
This element is usually located on the side of the telescope and offers a greater field of view of the sky than the telescope itself. For example, a 5x magnification telescope covers an area as large as the fingernail of your little finger, while an 8x instrument offers you a field of view as large as a golf ball.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the mount
Two types of telescope mounts are usually used: equatorial and altazimuth. You need to know which one has your telescope in order to use it properly.
- Alt-az mounts can move the telescope tube vertically and horizontally, thus simplifying operations for beginners, as it is simpler than an equatorial model.
- The equatorial mounts allow you to point the telescope towards the four celestial cardinal points. The polar axis (which is the rotating element near the base of the telescope) must be aligned with the polar star. Later you will be able to follow the movement of the firmament from this point, from east to west (according to the apparent movement of the stars).
- To get used to the equatorial mount you need a little practice; every time you want to look at a different star or a planet, you have to unlock the axis and point the telescope towards the celestial body using the finder, finally you have to lock it again when you have reached the right point. Later, you can use the slow spin cables or the control knob to make fine adjustments. The equatorial mount is considered more useful.
Step 3. Learn to use the tripod
You must be sure that the three mounts are well balanced, otherwise the telescope can fall and be damaged. When choosing where to observe the sky, consider the need for a flat, level area to place the telescope.
Part 3 of 3: Observe the Sky
Step 1. Study the sky
Before you walk around at night with your expensive telescope under your arm, you need to understand what you are looking for. Maybe you want to take a look at the moon or the planets. Maybe you're interested in a meteor shower. You need to know when and where to view and consider the weather forecast.
- If you want to gaze at the stars, for example, you don't want to go out on a full moon night.
- Read texts about the stars and constellations. These will inform you about the best times for observation, where and when it is easiest to see the planets.
- Study star maps so when you are in front of the firmament you will know where to point the telescope.
- Exercise the eye. To do this, draw sketches of the moon and planets. You don't have to be a great artist to delineate them very accurately. This exercise will be very useful for you to take a closer look at the sky and notice the details.
Step 2. Choose a point from which to look at the sky
You have to be very careful in this operation, which must take into account what you are looking for and where it should be positioned in the sky. You also need to find an accessible place at night with a safe and flat area to set up the telescope tripod.
- Don't forget about light pollution. If you live in a big city, for example, go to the roof (if it's a safe place) to find some shelter from ambient light and get clearer images.
- Try to avoid bridges, concrete and asphalt driveways. The footsteps of other people cause vibrations that interfere with image quality.
Step 3. Train
You need to do some practice to learn how to correctly mount, set up and aim the instrument before starting to observe the firmament. If not, it won't be too difficult to lose small pieces of the telescope or forget how to perform some operations.
To practice setting up the telescope, use the eyepiece with minimum magnification and point the instrument towards an object at about 30 m (for example a tree but not the sun!). Center the object with the finder to be sure the image is clear. Now switch to an eyepiece with higher magnification and try again
Step 4. Try to be comfortable
Make sure you dress appropriately to spend a nice night with the stars. If it gets cold, remember to wear warm clothes and bring a hot drink.
Advice
- The eyepiece determines the magnification of a telescope. A selection of a few eyepieces allows you to make detailed and extraordinary observations. To start, use a low magnification (the one with the longest focal length, for example 25mm) so it will be easier to spot stellar objects.
- Familiarize yourself with the settings and functions of the telescope during the day, in the tranquility of your home. Also, while there is still light, make sure that the finder's viewfinder is pointed in the same direction as the main tube. Use a distant object, such as the tip of a telephone pole, to check for proper alignment. Adjust the finder correctly, as it is a fundamental tool for finding celestial bodies. After dark it gets cold and not at all the right time to tinker with the instruction manual.
- Personal safety must be your first concern. Remember to ask the owner of the land for permission to avoid the crime of violation of private property. Also take wildlife into consideration and take all precautions to avoid disturbing it.
- Dress wisely. It gets cold at night, even right after sunset. Dress in layers according to the season to make your viewing session as comfortable as possible.
