Astronomy and Telescopes

[Ringer]

Do we have any amateur astronomers around here? I'm seriously considering purchasing a telescope and it would be nice if anybody out there knew a thing or two about telescopes and is able to point me into the right direction.

The main purpose of the telescope is for viewing deep space objects as well as planets. I think I've narrowed my search to a reflecting telescope instead of the refracting ones. The Dobsonian telescope would seem like a good fit as well because from what I've researched, they are a good bang for the buck. Depending on how serious I become with this, I'd be willing to pay between $500 - $1,000 if I knew I'd have the telescope for quite some time. Meade, Orion, Zhumell (sp?), and a few others seem to be good choices for brands.

Eventually, I would like to do some astrophotography and possibly post some of my pics right here on RF. Donations to this cause will be accepted

[silvermoon383]

You've got me, I've had a telescope for a year now, though I have to admit I'm still learning.

If you want to focus on the deep sky objects then a reflector is your best bet, just like you thought. The Dobsonian reflectors are really nice (I have a Schmitt-Cassegrain, but I've looked through a bunch of Dobs), and as long as you get one that breaks down easily (like the Meade Lightbridge) should solve most storage/transportation problems.

One of the best places you could go to get a lot more tips and info is the local astronomy club. It should have a web page so a simple Google search should point you right to them.

[Ringer]

Originally Posted by silvermoon383

You've got me, I've had a telescope for a year now, though I have to admit I'm still learning.

If you want to focus on the deep sky objects then a reflector is your best bet, just like you thought. The Dobsonian reflectors are really nice (I have a Schmitt-Cassegrain, but I've looked through a bunch of Dobs), and as long as you get one that breaks down easily (like the Meade Lightbridge) should solve most storage/transportation problems.

One of the best places you could go to get a lot more tips and info is the local astronomy club. It should have a web page so a simple Google search should point you right to them.

Thanks for the information. The Schmitt-Cassegrain telescopes look very nice but from the little that I've searched, they seem to be at least $1,500. Probably a little out of my price range for just starting out. There was an observatory at my university and I'm saddened by the fact I never looked into it while I was a student. Now, onto my search for an astronomy club....

[silvermoon383]

I know what you mean about the Schmitt prices, I spent $1500 for mine and all the accessories I got at the time. Since then I've spent around another $120 on eyepieces, and I will end up buying more stuff (filters and a spotting scope mainly).

Another great thing you can invest in as well is a nice set of binoculars (7x50s or 10x50s would be best)

[Panda]

I got a tasco telescope for about £200. It's good for amateur stuff and give a decent view. I can't remember what the magnification goes up to. Mine also came with some decent software for your laptop to help you identify things. You just key in where you are and make sure time and date are correct and have a lovely view of the sky you are seeing. If you want to be a more serious amateur though it won't be good enough. I like it just to get a look at the sky every now and then.