Finding the Best Beginner Telescope

May 15th, 2009 by admin No comments »

horsehead-nebula

Looking for the best beginner telescope?

In order to find the best beginner telescope for your needs, you will need to examine your budget, interests, and what you expect to get out of your beginner telescope.

Here are two useful articles to help you get started:

» Read more: Finding the Best Beginner Telescope

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

August 11th, 2009 by admin 3 comments »

Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope

It’s no wonder customers heap 5-star ratings on this “gentle giant.” For not only does its jumbo-sized optics and uncomplicated design bring a “new level of joy to simple observing,” raved Astronomy magazine, but it’s also one of the most affordable quality Dobs on the market. This is truly the best beginner telescope for many enthusiasts. The SkyQuest XT8 Classic isn’t just good bang for the buck, it’s a supernova of telescope value! The XT8 Classic gives you the deep-space thrills without the deep-pocket frills. We’ve kept it lean and mean to
Buy Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope at Amazon

Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

August 8th, 2009 by admin 13 comments »

Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe

Review
The third edition of Nightwatch continues its tradition of being the best handbook for the beginning astronomer. Terence Dickinson covers all the problems beginners face, starting with the fact that the night sky does not look the way a modern city-dweller expects. He discusses light pollution, how to choose binoculars and telescopes, how to pronounce the names of stars and constellations, telescope mounts, averted vision, and why the harvest moon looks especially bright. Mo
Buy Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe at Amazon

Orion Observer 70mm EQ Refractor Telescope

July 28th, 2009 by admin No comments »

Orion Observer 70mm EQ Refractor Telescope

This tried-and-true refractor goes the extra distance in introducing the novice to the wonders of the night sky. The Observer 70 features a 70mm fully anti-reflection coated achromatic objective lens, which provides 36% more light-gathering ability than a 60mm. Its 700mm focal length (f/10) will show you the stark beauty of the lunar surface, Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s atmospheric belts, or the billowy clouds of the Orion Nebula. The included EQ-1 equatorial mount comes equipped wit
Buy Orion Observer 70mm EQ Refractor Telescope at Amazon

Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars w/Tripod Adapter

July 26th, 2009 by admin 13 comments »

Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15x70 Binoculars w/Tripod Adapter

For many, the best beginner telescope may actually be a pair of binoculars.

Binoculars come in a wide range of shapes and sizes these days, and an even wider range of prices. It’s easy to spend less than $100 or more than $500 for what may appear to be, at least outwardly, comparable models. While they may look the same, they are probably quite different on the inside. Recently, the binocular market has seen a flood of giant binoculars at prices that were unheard of just a few years ago. In general, giant binoculars are defined as those t
Buy Celestron SkyMaster Giant 15×70 Binoculars w/Tripod Adapter at Amazon

Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope–and How to Find Them

July 24th, 2009 by admin 12 comments »

Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope--and How to Find Them

Owners of small telescopes will appreciated this revised edition of a classic, which has been updated to AD 2006, and which includes hundreds of night sky objects easily viewed by the home observer. From seasonal challenges in making observations to locating common guideposts and visible clusters, this is the home astronomer’s ‘bible’. — Midwest Book Review

Review
“…an excellent book for small
Buy Turn Left at Orion: A Hundred Night Sky Objects to See in a Small Telescope–and How to Find Them at Amazon