I'm seeking advice on a home telescope

[PJMcK]

For months, I've been trying to educate myself about which type of telescope to buy. It's remarkably confusing and a simple answer hasn't presented itself.

The viewing location will be in the mountains around the Delaware River in northeastern Pennsylvania. The dominant viewing direction is northerly between 270º and 90º; the mountains are to the South behind the house. We have almost no light pollution and there's a deck where I'd like to set up the telescope for use. Ideally, I'd like to be able to sit while observing. Although I don't plan to do any photography, I've learned in life to never rule anything out. Is there any really good Macintosh software for locating astral bodies? Lastly, my budget should not exceed $500, preferably less.

For many years I've wanted to get a telescope and I'm quite excited about this purchase. But I don't want to make a fundamental mistake. So, thanks, in advance, for any advice offered.

[boomer55]

1. one option is do some searching for groups in your area that can show you how to build one.

[PJMcK]

6. That's really good advice

Thanks, boomer55! Enjoy your weekend.

[bananas]

9. An easy way to find astronomy groups in your area

is to look on the Clear Dark Sky website,
which shows predicted viewing conditions for popular locations.

Here is the map for Pennsylvania
http://www.cleardarksky.com/csk/prov/Pennsylvania_map.html

[PJMcK]

10. Great website

Thanks, bananas!

[longship]

2. 8" Dobsonian mounted reflector.

You might even be able to get one with digital setting circles for that.

Try telescopes.com. They have some reasonable scopes.

Or, a table top scope, if you insist on being able to sit, but not nearly as nice as an 8".

Aperture is everything, but larger scopes are heavier, less portable, etc.

I have a 10" Dobsonian with digital setting circles (tells me where to point) and tons of eyepieces. But it is awkward to set up. The base is heavier than a dead preacher. I don't take it out very often.

[AlbertCat]

4. 8" Dobsonian mounted reflector.

Yes.... you want a reflector.

My good buddy bought me one for Christmas! (he shouldn't have!)

It has a red dot scope..... with a red "laser" dot to line up the scope instead of cross hairs. I hate it! What's wrong with cross hairs? I keep forgetting to turn it off so the battery runs down. Of course you never discover this until you try to use it.


I've seen amazing things this summer....and I'm in the WORST place: sea level. I have a big eastern/southern sky but lots of atmosphere.

Anyway, Saturn has been beautiful all summer. And Mars too. Jupiter was up earlier but now is near the sun. But even at dusk a couple of week ago, there was Venus and Jupiter....and between them something I had never seen before: Mercury! Recently late one insomniac night at like 3:00 AM I was determined to find (using just the viewfinder) the Andromeda Galaxy. I DID! (can't believe it) It's very dim and looks like a smudge you can't get into focus...but that's photons that left it 2.5 million years ago so give 'em a break!

Get one soon and have fun! (what with all the aps and things now to help you recognize things.)

[PJMcK]

7. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

The excitement you expressed about your planetary observations this summer is exactly how I feel about this purchase. On a clear night in NE PA, the sky is so luminous that the planets sometimes look like aircraft headlights they are so bright.

Thanks for your advice about getting a reflector-type of 'scope. That's the direction I'm leaning in.

Have a nice Labor Day weekend.

[PJMcK]

8. Your comments are helpful

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, longship.

I've been thinking that a reflector-type of telescope is the way to go. The website you recommended is remarkable. Some of those instruments are amazing with prices over $20K! But they have lots of choices in my price point.

I've learned that your view that "aperture is everything" is exactly right: that's how the telescope gathers light. I think I'll try to find the largest at the least price. And weight is always an issue; if it's too heavy or complicated to use, I won't set it up as often.

Have a great weekend!

[Glassunion]

11. Strictly for research purposes

How heavy is a dead preacher?

[eppur_se_muova]

3. Here's a nice place to start ...

http://www.philharrington.net/sw2.htm

Check to see if your local library has a copy, then you can login to the Web extras.

Just wish it had been updated more recently.

I'm pretty sure there are iPhone apps to let you know what's visible on any given night; there are also plenty of online almanacs.

[PJMcK]

5. Great site

Thanks for your help, eppur. The iPhone apps never occurred to me, duh. I'm pretty excited about getting the telescope, a bit like a little kid! The night sky is so beautiful and fascinating.

[Glassunion]

12. I use an app called "Star Chart" by Escape Velocity LTD. It's free and is wonderful.

It has several features on the iPhone that I love.

1. AR mode. If you turn on location services, and hold the phone up to the sky you can superimpose the phone in front of the night sky to see exactly what you're looking at.
2. Night mode. Whole screen is displayed in a soft red to preserve your night vision. No bright screens ruining your vision.
3. About 120K stars charted, as well as planets, Pluto, and Messier objects.
4. For a few bucks ($3 each) you can upgrade for meteor showers, satellites, comets, and dwarf planets and planetary moons.

[PJMcK]

13. That's great

Thanks for the advice, Glassunion.

[shireen]

14. are you interested in a heavy older reflector?

I inherited it from a friend. It has an equatorial mount with drive. I think it's 8". I've never used it because it's so darn heavy. But if you have the muscle to move it around, and can give it a good home, it's yours. Since it's got a very sturdy stand, it will be a good instrument for astrophotography.

I'm just north of Baltimore.

Oh, I also bought some gear to collimate the mirror, and will toss that in for free.

You could use your budget to make necessary upgrades.

I once viewed Mars through it. Very nice image.

[wcmagumba]

15. Great astronomy/observing web site...

I've been viewing this site for several years and occasionally post. You can find out pretty much anything you want about telescopes and observing. Check out the beginners forum and maybe even the classifieds, I have bought and sold several items on the site and never had any problems (check user feedback). There are all financial ranges of folks on the site and most are very nice but you will find a bit of equipment snobbery here and there...I usually skip the "beginner" posts where they only have a small budget of $5,000 or more to spend on a starter telescope. Anyway, my 2 cents...

http://www.cloudynights.com/index

[PJMcK]

18. Great website

Thanks for taking the time to respond, wcmagumba. That's an informative site. Have a great weekend.

[Tortmaster]

16. If you're pointing that thing ...

... at 270º and 90º near the Delaware River, then that's right at the Chi Omega Sorority house! Just kidding. Sounds fun. I have no good telescope advice. : (

[PJMcK]

17. Thanks, anyway

You gave me a good Saturday morning laugh! Enjoy your weekend, Tortmaster.