LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This month we will discuss telescopes: The kind that ordinary people, you and I, might use to explore the night skies.
First, why use a telescope?
The answer is, it dramatically increases what you can see.
There are some key features to consider when selecting telescope. They are aperture, mounting, power and automation.
Aperture refers to the size (diameter) of the telescope’s lens or mirror. Apertures ranging from 3 inches to 10 inches are typical.
In astronomy, bigger is better, so the larger the telescope, the more you will see. Bigger also means heavier, so take care not to choose a telescope you can’t easily carry outdoors.
Mounting refers to the mechanical structure that supports the telescope. It must be sturdy enough to prevent the telescope from vibrating and shaking when observing.
Power is the degree to which a telescope enlarges an object. A common misconception is that the more power the better.
In reality, the maximum power a telescope can handle is 50 power (50x) for each inch of aperture. A 6-inch telescope would, at best, handle a maximum of 300x under ideal viewing conditions.
Automation refers to whether or not a telescope is controlled by a computer. Finding your way around the night sky to locate objects can be time consuming and frustrating. Computerized telescopes do the hard work for you.
How much do telescopes cost? A 5-inch noncomputerized telescope may cost $260. A computerized telescope of the same size might sell for $400.
There are a number of online retailers you can investigate to learn more. Type “telescopes for sale” in your search engine and be prepared to see a wide variety of offerings.
Happy shopping!
John Zimmerman is a resident of Lake County and has been an amateur astronomer for more than 50 years. For more information about astronomy and local resources, visit his Web site at www.lakecountyskies.com .