The Celestron 31045 AstroMaster 130EQ Reflector Telescope is an affordable option for beginner astronomers and is perfect for backyard observations. This telescope features a 130 mm parabolic mirror with a focal length of 650 mm and a focal ratio of 5.
0, giving it a wide field of view and reliable clarity. The built-in “Slow Motion Control” provides smooth, accurate tracking of objects across the night sky, perfect for observing the planets and constellations.
The included “Star Pointer Finderscope” quickly helps you pinpoint celestial objects in the night sky with greater accuracy. The telescope also comes with two eyepieces (20 mm and 10 mm) and a Barlow lens, allowing you to customize your view and see even more of the night sky.
This robust telescope is rugged and easy to use, making it an ideal tool for beginners on a budget.
Is a cheap telescope worth it?
This really depends on your motivations and expectations. If you’re simply looking to view some of the wonders of the night sky and don’t need advanced features or top notch quality, then a cheap telescope could certainly be worth it.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more advanced features and a high quality viewing experience, you might want to consider investing in a higher quality telescope. With a cheap telescope, the components are typically made of lower quality materials which can result in a lower quality viewing experience and may require frequent maintenance and/or repairs.
Additionally, cheaper telescopes typically offer fewer features than more expensive models, so if you’re looking for something with a lot of features or capacity for astrophotography, you may want to think about spending more for top of the line quality.
Which type of telescope is for beginners?
For beginner astronomers, a good type of telescope to start with is a Newtonian Reflector telescope. This type of telescope uses mirrors to collect and focus the light, instead of lenses like refractor telescopes.
They are typically less expensive, have a longer focal length, and tend to be easier to collimate (adjust the mirrors to make sure the light is in focus). They offer a very large field of view, which makes it easier to find objects in the night sky.
They also generally provide better value for the amount of light capture, compared to more expensive telescope types. Keeping these factors in mind, Newtonian Reflector telescopes can be a great option for beginner astronomers.
Can you see planets with a cheap telescope?
Yes, you can see planets with a cheap telescope. Depending on the type of telescope you get, your astronomy skills, and the visibility at the time you observe, you can spot features on several planets.
With more affordable telescopes, you can actually observe the moons of Jupiter, Neptune’s rings, Saturn’s rings, and Pluto. More expensive telescopes can enable you to observe more detail on the planets, but you can still identify them and their various features with a budget telescope.
To help improve your viewing, you may want to make a dark-sky observing site, which is an area away from city lights to ensure optimal visibility. To help maximize your viewing, you may also want to consider purchasing a quality eyepiece and keeping a stargazing log book.
With a little bit of effort, you can observe and appreciate the many wonders our solar system has to offer. With a telescope, you have the potential to gain a new perspective on this great universe we live in!.
What should I look for when buying a telescope?
When shopping for a telescope, there are several key factors to consider that will help you make the best purchase for your specific needs. First, consider the size and design of the telescope. Generally, a larger telescope will provide a better quality of view, but it will also be more expensive and require a larger space to set up and store.
A Dobsonian or Schmidt-Cassegrain design may be a better choice if you’re short on space and price is a concern.
Next, take a look at the magnification and objectives lenses. The specifications listed by the manufacturer can give you an idea of what the telescope is capable of, but the large aperture (diameter of the lens or mirror) is the most important factor.
If a telescope has a bigger lens or mirror, it will be able to require more light for clearer and more vivid views of the night sky.
Finally, consider other features of the telescope such as the mount, stability, and ease of use. A sturdier, more stable mount (alt-azimuth or equatorial) will make it easier to accurately look at specific objects and follow their paths in the sky.
Additionally, if the telescope has a built-in computer or various tracking motors, it can assist in the alignment and finding of objects in the night sky. A good telescope will be easy to set up, transport and use.
If you’re unsure, it might be worth your while to consult with a review or professional telescope store to help you make the right decision.
What are the 3 main types of telescopes?
There are three main types of telescopes: Refractor Telescopes, Reflector Telescopes and Catadioptric Telescopes. Refractor Telescopes use a series of lenses to focus light and are the most common type of telescope.
Reflector Telescopes use mirrors to gather light, and these are the largest, most powerful types of telescopes. Catadioptric Telescopes combine lenses and mirrors to achieve good image resolving powers and short tube lengths, making them popular among amateur astronomers.
What size telescope do I need to see Saturn’s rings?
The size of telescope you need to see Saturn’s rings will depend on a few factors, including your viewing location, the clarity of the sky and atmospheric conditions, and the features you wish to observe.
Generally speaking, a telescope with an aperture (the diameter of the main telescope lens) of 6″ or larger should be able to reveal the basic features of the planet and its rings, such as the Cassini Division.
To observe more subtle details in Saturn, such as the crepe ring or individual ringlets, a telescope with an aperture larger than 8″ or 10″ is recommended. High power (magnification of the eyepiece) and clear seeing conditions will also be important when attempting to observe details of the rings.
What can a 70mm telescope see?
A 70mm (2.76 inch) telescope can allow you to observe some of the most impressive celestial objects in the night sky. It won’t have the power to see the faintest galaxies or nebulae, but it can be used to observe detailed features of planets within our own Solar System, such as the Great Red Spot on Jupiter, the Martian polar caps and the complex features of Saturn’s rings.
You also be able to observe brighter deep-sky objects such as globular clusters, bright nebulae, the Orion Nebula and several of the brighter star clusters. With a 70mm telescope it’s easy to observe faint stars and double stars, and the telescope can even be used to observe a lunar eclipse.
As a beginner’s telescope or someone who’s just getting into astronomy, a 70mm telescope is a great way to start exploring some of the wonders of space.
How much would a telescope cost?
The cost of a telescope will depend on a variety of factors, including the brand, design, type and size of the telescope. Generally, a basic beginner-level telescope can cost anywhere between $100 and $400.
Higher-end, larger and more powerful telescopes can range anywhere from $400 to $3,000 or more, depending on the model and the features. Telescopes with computerized mounts, automatic tracking, photographic capabilities and other features can cost several thousand dollars.
Additionally, many factors can affect the overall cost of a telescope, including accessories and mounts. For example, motorized mounts and tracking systems can cost an extra $500 to $2,000, depending on the model.
Finally, some telescope kits come with additional items such as eyepieces, filters, adapters, tripods and other items, which can increase the overall cost of the telescope.
What planet is easiest to see?
The planet that is easiest to see is the planet Venus. It is visible to the naked eye in the night sky and is often mistaken for a very bright star. It has been referred to as the “morning star” or “evening star” due to its distinct appearances in the sky during those times of day.
Venus is the third brightest object in the sky, behind the moon and the sun, and can sometimes be seen even during the day. It is often seen in the western or eastern sky shortly before the sun rises or shortly after it sets.
Which planet is bodyguard of Earth?
Earth is considered to have a divine bodyguard of sorts in the form of Jupiter, the fifth and largest planet in our Solar System. Often referred to as the “Guardian of the Solar System,” Jupiter is believed to provide Earth with a degree of protection from asteroids, comets, and other potential space debris.
This protective nature began when Jupiter first formed some four to five billion years ago; it is estimated that somewhere between one-fifth and two-thirds of all objects entering the inner Solar System were promptly drawn towards this gas giant.
Whenever a potentially hazardous object ventured too close to our planet, Jupiter’s strong gravity would either capture or deflect it away, ensuring our planet’s continued safety.
Today, it is believed that Jupiter continues to play a role in protecting Earth. Research conducted by NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope has suggested that Jupiter-sized planets, like ours, will amplify the number of ‘impacts’ on a given star, while Jupiter-less stars suffer much lesser impacts.
This knowledge not only provides insight into our Solar System’s history, but also further bolsters the concept that Jupiter serves as an effective planetary bodyguard for Earth.
Can we see Pluto from Earth?
No, we cannot see Pluto from Earth with the naked eye. Pluto is nearly 4.7 billion kilometers away from Earth, making it much too far away to be visible to the naked eye. Additionally, Pluto is quite small, with a diameter approximately 2/3 the size of the Moon, making it even harder to spot.
Other techniques such as powerful telescopes are necessary to view Pluto from Earth. Additionally, the dwarf planet is often blocked from view by other celestial bodies in the Solar System.
Is moon a planet Yes or no?
No, the Moon is not a planet. It is a celestial body that orbits Earth and has a much smaller mass than a planet. Primarily made of rock, the Moon has no atmosphere, and its gravity is only a small fraction of the gravitational pull of the Earth.
The Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tidally locked, meaning that the same side of the Moon faces the Earth at all times.
Are refractors cheaper than reflectors?
Generally speaking, refractors are usually cheaper than reflectors when it comes to telescope prices. This is due to the fact that the principles behind reflecting telescope designs are more complicated, requiring the sophisticated shaping of mirrors and the alignment of various optical elements.
These components add cost to the design and manufacturing process, resulting in a higher overall price tag. In contrast, refractor telescopes are simpler designs that utilize lens elements. This makes them inherently less complex and therefore cheaper to produce, resulting in lower prices when compared to reflectors.
Is a reflector or refractor better?
It really depends on what your needs are. Reflectors usually have wider fields of view, making them ideal for deep sky observing, while refractors tend to have brighter, sharper images due to their light gathering ability.
Refractors are also more compact and require less maintenance.
For general purpose viewing, where a combination of wide fields and good image brightness are desired, a compound scope (which includes both a refractor and reflector) is probably the way to go.
If you want a scope for viewing planets, galaxies and nebulae, a reflector is probably your best bet. They generally allow for more light to be gathered from faint objects, giving you a better and brighter image.
In short, it depends on what type of objects you want to view and how much effort you want to put into maintaining and upgrading your telescope. If you’re still unsure of which one to choose, you may want to consider talking to an experienced expert or visiting your local astronomy club to get a better idea of what would best suit your needs.
What is a good refractor?
A good refractor is a telescope that uses lenses, known as “refracting optics,” to gather and focus light from the night sky. Refractors are the simplest type of telescope and are often the first telescope type people purchase due to their affordability and relative ease of use.
Due to their optical design, refractors have a very small secondary mirror, which reduces false color and eliminated coma; a type of aberrations that can distort star images. They are also generally maintenance free and can be stored in a smaller size than other telescope designs.
Refractors can be used for a variety of astronomy activities, from sky viewing and casual star-gazing to astrophotography and viewing planetary details. When looking for a refractor, make sure to look for a high-quality, multi-coated lens for best light transmission, and a tube length that is appropriate to the focal length and opening of the lens.