First and foremost, there are three basic types of telescopes: reflector, refractor, and combo catadioptric.

· The reflecting telescope (or Newtonian) basically uses a concave design and mirror lens to reflect light off an object in the distance, to perceive it more closely. These types offer great light-gathering technologies, are typically stationary, and are the least expensive of the three. They are the best beginner telescopes for those interested in casually exploring the night sky at a value price.

· The refractor telescope works by using a number of lenses to refract or bend the light that is being transmitted by a distant object, to gain a more focused magnification from the eyepiece. Refracting telescopes are comparatively much more expensive; but also offer sharper, high-contrast, accurate views of the stars, planets, and moon above. It is also worthy to note that another bonus of the refractor is that it performs with aplomb in all atmospheric conditions, unlike the former.

· Lastly, is the catadioptric (example: matsutov-cassegrain) telescope. This type compasses both the bent lens system of the refractor telescope, as well as the mirror technology of the reflector telescope. Middle ground of all three, the catadipotric boasts high-quality precision, resolute optical technologies, convenient portability, and promises a more digestible price range than the refractor models.

Once decided upon what type of telescope you'd like to invest in; the next step is figuring out what technical specifications to look for, as far as magnification, aperture width, focal length, resolution, etc.

· Magnification is the first number listed in the formula usually expressed for a telescope, example: 100X5. The magnification in a 100X5 would be 100, and means that this telescope will give you 100 times the magnification you would perceive an object with than the naked eye. It is necessary to recognize that more is not always better, because the more the object is magnified, the less light is allowed to view it with.

· Aperture is the second number denoted by the formula (In this case: the 5, of the example 100X5), and is simply the diameter of the objective lens. The aperture measurement tells us how much light will be allowed in offering clarity to the object you are looking at. The larger the diameter, the more light allowed; and so it is necessary to adequately balance magnification (power) with appropriate aperture.

· Focal length (represented in millimeters) is the length that light has to travel within your telescope to reflect and perceive the object. The higher the focal length measurement: the higher the magnification, the larger the image, and the smaller the field of view.

· Resolution is the telescope's capability to render the object's image in detail. The higher the resolution, the sharper the details you will be able to perceive. This is directly in relation to the aperture width, as discussed earlier: the larger the aperture, the better the resolution.

Once you recognize the different types of telescopes, and the relationship of the basic specifications as listed above; you can begin to maneuver your way around selecting one for yourself. How casual your intended use, what objects you'd like to view, and how much you'd want to invest; all play a big part in determining the best telescope for your uses; but now armed with the basics of buying a telescope, you're sure to find the perfect new optical device with ease.

Buying A Telescope: Tips For First Timers is a post from: Meade Telescopes

The word astronomy is comprised of two Greek words. The Greek word astro means star shaped or star and pertains to outer space. The word onomy literally means the study of. Therefore, astronomy is the study of the stars.

One of the major tools that assists amateur and professional astronomers in understanding and respecting the galaxy is the astronomy telescope. When looking to purchase a good astronomy telescope there are a number of factors that you can keep in mind. First, of all consider some practical suggestions, remember it is about the diameter of the lens, and make sure your telescope has a solid stand.

Practical Suggestions

Before you purchase your astronomy telescope it is important to conduct your research. One way of conducting this research can be accomplished by accessing the Internet and learning more about telescopes. Some of the questions that you should endeavor to answer surround what features to look for in a telescope, approximate cost, recommended brands, etc.

Another practical suggestion, before you purchase your astronomy telescope, is to "test drive" a telescope. This can be accomplished by joining an astronomy club. Often these clubs will have a stargazing event which will allow you to peer through the telescopes owned by the various members.

Another way of conducting research, prior to purchasing an astronomy telescope, is to ask the members in the club as to what telescope they would recommend. The key is education. Listen for the features they recommend, brand names, the diameter of the lens, price, etc.

Also, you may come across a member of the club who is considering the purchase of a new telescope. If so, you may be able to purchase their used telescope.

Diameter Of The Lens

When considering the purchase of an astronomy telescope it is important to remember what is the key feature surrounding your purchase. That key feature should focus on the diameter of the lens of the telescope and not its advertised magnification.

This is because the diameter of the lens equates to the amount of light that can be received by the telescope. Therefore, the larger the diameter of the lens the more light that is captured. This in turn allows for the image that you are viewing to become more visible.

Solid Base

Another very important feature when considering the purchase of your astronomy telescope is to ensure that it has a solid base. Generally, these bases or mounts are tripods.

It is important that when the telescope is mounted on these bases that the telescope does not shake or move. Obviously, any movement by the telescope, when peering into space, will distort the image being viewed and provide a negative experience.

Buying Your First Astronomy Telescope is a post from: Meade Telescopes

Well, you have it. Here is the article, that can help you get into astronomy. First it is important to consider a few points, when wondering how to buy a telescope. The first and obvious step, is buying a telescope. However, there are some other parts, which go to make your hobby in astronomy, so much more fun.

You need 3 things to get the most out of astronomy, and 1 other item, which I recommend:

1. A telescope (this telescope buying guide, should help with that!)

2. A star atlas

3. A good practical book on astronomy and telescopes

* Optional

4. A notebook

Let us look into these necessary items to get the most out of astronomy. Remember, you can easily get into astronomy, by studying and learning the constellations. Some people in our human history, devoted there lives to constellations, some even to just 1 or 2!

* 1. How To Buy A Telescope?

Your first step before buying a telescope, is to consider what you want it for. Remember, telescopes are scientific instruments. This is an investment, and generally more you pay, more better telescope you get, which can literally last a life time.

If you have been wondering how to buy telescopes, you have come to the right place! Buying a telescope requires buying from either 1 of 3 places. From a specialized telescope shop, though these are not always easily found. The next is through mail order and the third, which is the easiest, is online.

There are 2 main types of telescope, one is reflector telescopes (catoptric), and refracting telescopes (dioptric). One has a big mirror, and the other is longer, and slimmer. They both pretty much do the same objectives. However, many people prefer the reflector for deep space viewing.

* 2 & 3 - A Good Star Atlas And Practical Astronomy And Telescopes Book

Getting the most out of the science of astronomy, is not about buying the biggest telescope or the high price you paid. Instead it is about knowing what is where, and where to look.

Galileo's telescope was so inferior to today's telescopes readily available, that he said that Saturn has ears! However, he still invested a lifetime into the study of these objects.

The key to knowing where to look, is with a good star atlas, and a practical astronomy book, designed for small telescope use. A book called - Turn Left At Orion, seems to be the most popular, and easy to follow.

* 4. A Notebook

Viewing Saturn, Jupiter, and the Moon, can be fun home scientific tasks, but what happens next? We get bored! The truth is, to get the most out of astronomy, is to treat it as a science. Even if you are the worst painter, you still can record a detailed picture of the Moon's craters over days, and see the differences. This will go a long way in the future, and will allow you to look back, and see what many people will never see, and all because you invested into the science of astronomy.

Telescope Buying Guide – How To Buy A Telescope? is a post from: Meade Telescopes

Telescopes are scientific instruments, though you can find cheap telescopes in toy stores, they may not offer you the best option. These telescopes are often flimsy, and easily breakable. And when used, they can be impractical.

These cheap telescopes are of good use, for children who want to explore. A big telescope may not be easy to use, without supervision. However, if you are an adult, then buying a telescope that is bigger, and of good quality, will last for years.

Now, here is a great idea, because, with quality telescopes, they can last for decades. If you find these used telescopes, you will find that they still look like they are in good condition. You could easily buy this type of telescope, and find it works for decades.

It is easy to find a telescope that is at a great price, and only a fraction of what it would cost new. Not to mention that the same amount of money for the used telescope may only get a smaller telescope, that is new. But, there are some things to think about, before choosing to buy a used telescope.

2 big points are necessary, when thinking about buying a telescope. That is the mount and the optics. This applies, whether you are buying used or new. And it becomes more important, with used products.

With used telescopes, a point to first look at is the optics. This is important, because anything wrong with the optics will mean that you will get a lower quality image. In such a case, you may find that a smaller telescope performs better than a used telescope that has bad optics.

The second point is the mount. If the mount when buying used, has any damage, you may find that it is of no use. In this case, you will really need to consider just how much you are saving. Consider how much the telescope would cost new, and factor in the possibility of buying a new mount and tripod.

If it works out cost effective, and you still make a saving, then it may be a point to consider, and buy the used telescope. However, this depends on the optics.

Overall it may be a wise idea to buy new. Especially considering that a good telescope, that is new, could last you decades. It is well worth considering.

Is It Worth Buying A Used Telescope? is a post from: Meade Telescopes

Selecting the proper type

The refractor type telescopes best suit for watching moon and major planets. Refractor telescopes are long & thin, and known for their sharp, detailed and contrasty images. They collect light through multi-element lenses. If you are just a starter then a small, quality achromatic refractor of 60 to 90 mm aperture would be a good one. The best thing about a refractor telescope is that they are inexpensive, portable and almost maintenance free. A refractor telescope is also useful when you will be mostly observing from city or the surrounding areas where the night skies are lightly polluted.

Reflector telescopes are also known as Newtonian telescopes. They are good for planetary as well as deep-sky viewing. However Newtonian telescopes are more fragile and need more maintenance than others. These telescopes collect light with a curved, concave mirror and with the help of their large apertures, they show fine, highly-resolved images. The reflector scopes are not suitable for terrestrial viewing because they produce an upside-down image.

Catadioptrics use both lenses and mirrors to collect and focus the incoming light. They are also called compound telescopes. Catadioptrics scopes are considered the most versatile telescopes and gives great all-around performance. They use a large aperture in very compact tubes. They show magnificent images of the moon, planets and faint deep-sky objects, when viewed in dark skies away from urban areas. These scopes are best suited for astrophotography. Compared to other two, these scopes have a wide range of accessories available. They can be entirely computer controlled.

Factors affecting the performance of a telescope

Aperture: Telescopes collect light from distant objects and focus it to produce images. The light collecting capacity of a telescope is the most important feature. It is the aperture of scope (diameter of mirror or lens) that is responsible for gathering light. Larger the aperture, the more light gathered, the more you'll see.

Telescope Mounts: There are three basic mounts for telescopes altazimuth, Dobsonian, or equatorial. Altazimuth is the simplest type of mount, providing up-down, left-right motions. It is mainly recommended for terrestrial viewing and casual stargazing. The Dobsonian mount was basically designed for easy maneuvering of large reflectors of more than six inches. It is a boxy altaz-type mount sitting close to the ground. Equatorial mounts are designed for the purpose of astronomical viewing. These mounts are more expensive and complicated than the altazimuth mounts. With the help of these type of mounts users can track or follow the motion of celestial objects through the sky with a single manual hand control.

Magnification: Magnification should never top the priority for buying a telescope. The quality if image degrades with magnification. Practically 300X is maximum magnification for good quality images. Telescope's magnification is also known as its power and it is adjusted by changing eyepieces. Ideally there should have been three eyepieces for the magnification of a scope: one low, one medium and one high. Lower powers of 30 - 50X are recommended for observing galaxies, star clusters and nebulae as they are spread over a wide area of sky. For observing the rings of Saturn, Jupiter, studying craters and valleys of the Moon's surface medium power of 80 - 100X are advised. Higher powers of 150 - 200X allow the astronomers to observe mountain peaks and fine lunar detail, the surface features of Mars.

I am a laboratory analyst by profession working in this industry from last 10 years. I have been running a site http://www.laboratoryequipmentworld.com on laboratory equipments. It includes the largest range of laboratory apparatus and other updated info on market, trade fairs, news, etc.

A Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners is a post from: Meade Telescopes