Installing and aligning a finderscope can be a daunting experience if you’re new to it. But it is a simple task to follow… Having a properly installed and aligned finderscope makes life easier in locating objects in the sky since with a finderscope you have a wider field of view than using your main telescope. … Read more
If you’re frustrated with the focus when looking through your telescope or with the quality of your views, the following may help. It’s a 15-question test to help you identify and solve a number of possible viewing problems you may be encountering. To troubleshoot issues with focus through a telescope, you can perform a 15-question test. 15 reasons you’re not getting the best possible views of planets with your telescope If you think you’re not getting the best view of planets through your telescope, ask yourself… Read on for … Read more
If you’re new to astronomy, you might be wondering about the difference between apochromatic and achromatic refractors. Don’t worry. The lingo about ‘APO’ and then doublet vs triplet confused me too. What did it all mean? So I did some research and put this together. Achromatic refractors are generally more affordable and for that reason … Read more
If you’re new to stargazing or looking to upgrade your equipment, you may be wondering which type of finderscope is right for you. There are two common types of finderscopes: Optical and Red Dot. Optical finderscopes use lenses and are miniature telescopes often sold as the standard finderscope with telescopes. Red-dot finderscopes are an accessory … Read more
A Dobsonian is different from other telescopes for astronomy. The ‘Dobs’ are often recommended for beginners because of several advantages but there are disadvantages to having these that you should know before you buy. If you’re looking to buy a Dobsonian or have already bought one, you’ll benefit from knowing more about this reflector type … Read more
When it comes to buying a telescope, the two most common types are reflector and refractor telescopes. Reflector telescopes use mirrors to collect and reflect light, while refractor telescopes use lenses to bend light. The choice between the two depends on what you plan to use the telescope for and your personal preferences. When I … Read more
The image you’re seeing through your refractor is not the best. Could it be due to a minor aberration such as astigmatism? When we look through a telescope, we want the image to be clear and sharp. Astigmatism is a type of off-axis aberration that interferes with this. Astigmatism in refractor telescopes and its effect … Read more
You’re thinking about having your telescope set up for a few hours or overnight outside. Is it that you’re worried and wondering: Can a telescope get wet during that time? Here’s what I discovered about getting your telescope wet and what to do about it. How Your Telescope Got Wet You probably know that moisture … Read more
If you enjoy observing the planets in the night sky, then you’ll definitely want to check out these tips for maximizing your experience. For me, with a good telescope and a clear dark sky, I get to see Jupiter’s colourful bands and Saturn’s iconic rings. I’ve discovered the following on getting the most from planet-viewing … Read more
When introducing your child to stargazing, finding the right telescope for them can be somewhat daunting. I’ve written this to help you find one that’s best, including what to consider and examples of some popular kid’s telescopes on the market. A telescope can offer a child so much fun but also education. You can get … Read more
