Discover what's in the stars! Everything about telescopes!
23.9.2016
Translation: machine translated
Have you always been fascinated by the infinite and unexplored expanse of the universe? Do you want to know what's out there? Discover distant galaxies, planets and the structure of the moon? Then this is the right guide for you: advice on telescopes.
Buying a telescope is not easy, especially if it's your first one. The choice of telescopes in various shapes, sizes and price categories is immense. As is the variety of accessories and equipment. This guide is intended to lead you through the jungle of technical terms and important criteria to help you get to grips with this wonderful and exciting hobby.
1.Questions about the telescope
What can you observe with a telescope?
What objects you can observe with a telescope depends on its quality and performance. In general, the following images are possible: With small telescopes with an aperture of less than 10cm, craters, structures and details of the moon, the sun (note: special filters required!) and planets (Jupiter, Saturn) are already visible. In addition, numerous star clusters, globular clusters and larger nebulae and galaxies can be observed. With a larger aperture, you can even recognise smaller or more distant planets (Mars, Uranus, Neptune) and asteroids.
What is the difference between a telescope and a telescope?
The two are basically the same thing. Telescopes are often simple refracting telescopes that are used for observing nature (land and water). Today, binoculars or spotting scopes are usually used for this purpose. Telescopes, on the other hand, are primarily used for observing the sky and its objects. They usually consist of more complicated optics, a stable mount and a tripod.
How much do you need to invest in a good telescope?
How much your first telescope should cost depends entirely on your individual requirements. Our models range from just under CHF 60 to CHF 1800. Models around CHF 100 are suitable for beginners and for trying out. If you want to invest in astronomy as a long-term hobby, you should spend at least twice as much. As a general rule, the more you pay for a telescope, the higher the optical quality and performance, the mechanical stability and the service life of the device. With inexpensive devices, there is a risk of disturbing colour errors. These manifest themselves in the form of colour fringing around brighter stars and at the edge of the image.
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2 What else you need to know
What types of telescopes are there
A basic distinction is made between two types:
- Lens telescopes (refractors): These have the classic design of a telescope. They have a long, narrow tube and a direct view at the end. How they work: A glass lens (objective) collects the incident light in a focal point. The eyepiece magnifies the image behind it for the eye like a magnifying glass.
- Mirror telescopes (reflectors): This Newtonian design is based on mirrors and has a wide but short tube, usually with a side view. How it works: The light is collected by the mirror at the end of the tube and reflected back onto a deflecting mirror mounted in the optical path, which deflects the light rays sideways out of the tube. There they are magnified for the eye by an eyepiece.
Which is the better choice: a refracting telescope or a reflecting telescope?
Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Lens telescopes are ideal for observing the moon and planets. They generally provide better contrast. The disadvantage is the higher price, size and weight. Colour errors can also occur. Even the entry-level models of reflector telescopes often have a larger aperture (= objective lens diameter) and are therefore ideal for so-called deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae or star clusters. The lower weight, thanks to their short design, is a further advantage. A negative aspect to emphasise is the possible stray light.
Which telescope properties should be considered when buying?
- Focal length/aperture: The largest possible aperture/aperture of the lens is the most important factor. The diameter and therefore the light intensity of the lens - and not the magnification! - determines which objects in space can be observed in detail. As the amount of light collected increases with a larger aperture, the resolution of the telescope and the maximum magnification that can be used also increases.
- Mount: A stable mount is just as important as the optics. Due to the high magnifications, vibrations become visible much more quickly. A distinction is made between parallactic and azimuthal mounts. Parallactic means that the mount is aligned to the north celestial pole and by tracking an axis, objects are prevented from automatically moving out of the field of view due to the rotation of the earth. With azimuthal mounts, tracking is carried out via two axes, such as with a Dobsonian mount, which is very suitable for beginners and is cheaper.
- Size and weight: Depending on the area of use and observation site, transport options must also be taken into consideration. Telescopes from 30cm mirror diameter and or 120cm length are unwieldy and heavy.
Recommended accessories for getting started:
- 3-4 eyepieces for different magnifications
- Various filters to block out certain light and colour ranges Moon filter (to prevent glare), solar filter, colour filter, nebula filter
- Literature: Waterproof, rotatable star chart
- App: Celestron
3. purchase recommendations
Beginner
This telescope offers the optimum price/performance ratio including great extras.
- Very nice and well made beginner's telescope
- Unusually sharp and high-contrast image
- Thanks to the red dot finder, targets are found more quickly and easily
- Suitable for both nature and earth observation
- Set up in just a few minutes
Advanced users
The Dörr Delta 20 is perfect for stargazers who want to take the telescope with them when travelling.
- Short telescope
- High focal length
- EQ 1 equatorial mount
- Balance weight and flexible tracking shafts
- Finder scope
- 2 large 11/4 inch eyepieces incl. 2 Barlow lenses and moon filter
Professionals
With this professional telescope, the surfaces of the moon can be recognised in detail. The Orion Nebula or the cloud bands of Jupiter can also be spotted with it.
- for nature observation, nebulae & galaxies, moon & planets
- Short design for easy transport
- Aperture from 114-130mm
- Your perfect all-round device
Header image: Nebula in the constellation of the swan
Sylvia Matitschka
Product Manager
sylvia.matitschka@digitecgalaxus.chFor me, sport is passion, joy and recharging my batteries at the same time. In my free time you can find me outside training, on the tennis court, on the slopes with my board or surfing in the waves.
As product manager for the outdoor sector, I can thus fully live out my enthusiasm for the world of sport in my job.
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