Saturn is the sixth planet in our solar system. Saturn can be viewed with a small telescope. A telescope with a diameter of 2 inches can reveal Saturn, while a larger 3-inch telescope with 50x magnification can distinctly show Saturn’s iconic rings. Binoculars with 40x magnification can provide a glimpse of the rings, but a…
The Hubble Space Telescope is a renowned space-based observatory orbiting Earth at an altitude of 340 miles. Launched on April 24, 1990, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, Hubble has dramatically altered our view of the universe. The telescope features a 2.4-meter primary mirror and two solar arrays generating 2,800 watts of power. Hubble has made…
Getting started in astrophotography, you may be wondering which optical device is best for you. Telescopes provide a narrow and detailed view of objects in space, which makes them ideal for astronomy. Telephoto lenses provide a wider, less detailed view, which makes it easier to locate and capture imagery. Telescopes vs Telephoto Lenses for Astrophotography…
Telescopes and spyglasses are optical devices used for viewing distant objects. While telescopes are used for astronomy, monoculars are typically used for viewing terrestrial objects. While you can use spyglasses for basic astronomy, the magnification is much weaker than that of a telescope. How Strong is the Magnification of Telescopes vs Spyglasses? Because telescopes are…
Telescopes and periscopes are optical instruments used to view objects that we cannot see with the naked eye. Telescopes allow us to view extremely distant objects within your line of sight. Periscopes are used to view objects not directly in your line of sight and have much weaker magnification. When Should You Use Telescopes vs…
Telescopes and binoculars are optical instruments used to view distant objects. While telescopes are used for astronomy, binoculars are typically used for viewing objects on earth. You can use binoculars for basic astronomy, but the magnification is much weaker and won’t provide as much detail. Depth Perception of Telescopes vs Binoculars One major difference in…
Telescopes and microscopes are both optical instruments but have very different purposes. Telescopes are used to view extremely distant objects, like celestial bodies. Microscopes are used for viewing very small objects, like bacteria. How Are Telescopes and Microscopes Used? Telescopes magnify large and distant objects, making them best suited for astronomy. Microscopes magnify small and…
Telescopes and monoculars are optical devices used for viewing distant objects. While telescopes are used for astronomy, monoculars are typically used for viewing objects on earth. While you can use monoculars for basic astronomy, the magnification is much weaker than that of a telescope. Magnification of Telescopes vs Monoculars Because telescopes are used for viewing…
Telescopes are designed to view celestial bodies and spotting scopes are typically used for viewing wildlife. While they may look and sound similar, they have distinct differences in usage, view and portability. How Are Telescopes and Spotting Scopes Used? Telescopes are used to observe objects in space while spotting scopes are used to view objects…
Jupiter is one of the brightest objects in the night sky. Jupiter can be observed with a telescope to discern its disk and atmospheric details. A telescope with a lens diameter of at least 60mm is sufficient to reveal Jupiter’s disk, major cloud bands, and up to four of its largest moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede,…
Meteors are basically dust and rocks that float at thousands of miles per hour through our solar system. On their way, if they strike the earth’s atmosphere, they burn up and make a long streak across the sky. Sometimes earth encounters them in large numbers making Meteor showers. Meteor showers are formed by debris from…
Zhumell is an optical company that produces telescopes. The company was founded in Duluth, Minnesota and moved to Omaha, Nebraska after being purchased by Hayneedle in 2006. Zhumell offers a relatively small selection of telescopes compared to their competitors, but they have established a reputation for popular models such as the Zhumell Z130. Zhumell has…
The Zhumell Z130 is the largest and most capable of the three Zhumell tabletop Dobsonians, which places it in a bit of an awkward position both mechanically and price-wise. It features a 130mm parabolic primary mirror, a high-end feature not usually found in telescopes of this size. The parabolic mirror removes visual defects like spherical…
The Zhumell Z114 has great build quality and optics. It is extremely portable. It is recommended for beginners who are just starting out and intermediate astronomers who would like a telescope to scan the sky for just a few minutes. The great thing about the Zhumell Z114 is the low price. For just 150$, you…
The Zhumell Z100 Portable Reflector Telescope features a 100mm parabolic primary mirror, a high-end feature that’s very uncommon in telescopes of this size. The parabolic mirror removes visual defects like spherical aberration, providing noticeably sharper views. The primary mirror and all other optical surfaces are coated with Zhumell’s high-reflectivity coatings. You can count on more…
The Zhumell Z12 Dobsonian telescope features a massive 12” parabolic primary mirror that captures a substantial amount of light and produces crisp, bright images free of visual defects like spherical aberration. You will also get two fully multi-coated eyepieces: a 2” 30mm eyepiece for wide field views and a 1.25” 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification. …
The Zhumell Z10 Dobsonian telescope features a 10” parabolic primary mirror that captures a substantial amount of light and produces crisp, bright images free of visual defects like spherical aberration. You’ll also get two fully multi-coated eyepieces: a 2” 30mm eyepiece for wide field views and a 1.25” 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification. With the…
Aberrations are defects in optical systems caused by the deviation of light. This can be a result of either a limitation in your design or a defect in your optics. Every telescope experiences some degree of aberrations, but by selecting the right telescope, you can reduce or eliminate specific aberrations. What Are the Types of…
Distortion in optics modifies images produced by optical systems, causing information loss about observed objects. Aberrations like spherical aberration, coma, astigmatism, and chromatic aberration introduce errors into images. Radial, tangential, and angular distortions affect images distinctly. Lens design and shape are primary factors contributing to optical distortion. Curved lens elements introduce distortion by varying magnification…
Field curvature is an optical aberration that affects the ability of a telescope to bring a flat object into focus on a flat image plane. It can cause distortion, reduced image sharpness, and other aberrations, impacting the overall quality of the images produced. Field curvature in telescopes can be corrected using various methods, such as…
Astigmatism is an optical aberration causing distorted or blurry images. Lens or mirror curvature irregularities result in light rays focusing at two different points instead of one. Corneal astigmatism occurs when the corneal surface curves unevenly. Optical professionals measure the astigmatism axis in degrees. Astigmatism correction employs cylindrical lenses, mirrors, and prisms. Cylindrical lenses refract…
Coma aberration is an optical defect in lens designs that causes off-axis point sources to appear distorted with comet-like tails. Imperfections in lens components, asymmetry in optical systems, and non-uniform refractive indices contribute to this image-degrading effect. The coma coefficient measures distortion severity, ranging from 0 to 1, with 0.5 representing moderate to severe distortion….
Spherical aberration is an optical phenomenon where light rays passing through a lens or curved mirror fail to converge at a single focal point. Light rays striking different parts of a lens are refracted at varying angles, causing them to focus at multiple points along the optical axis. Spherical aberration results in distorted or blurry…
The Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian telescope features an 8” parabolic primary mirror that captures a substantial amount of light and produces crisp, bright images free of visual defects like spherical aberration. You’ll also get two fully multi-coated eyepieces: a 2” 30mm eyepiece for wide field views and a 1.25” 9mm eyepiece for higher magnification. With the…
The Zhumell 76mm AZ Reflector is one of the most affordable reflectors on the market. It comes in well under a hundred dollars, but the quality is up there with other higher-end telescopes. This is not a terrible drug store quality telescope, this is a scope built by people who know how to make some…
Chromatic aberration is not a significant problem for reflecting telescopes, which use mirrors to form an image. Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect and focus light, relying on reflection rather than refraction. This makes them free from chromatic aberration, which is the most serious aberration that affects any optical telescope. Mirrors are simpler than lenses…
Mars is a fourth planet from the sun. Mars is visible through a telescope, making it an attractive target for amateur astronomers. Even a small telescope with a diameter of 60 mm (2.4 inches) can provide a view of Mars, including its reddish hue, polar ice caps, and darker regions. The best time to view…
Venus is the second planet from the Sun. Viewing Venus through a telescope is a popular activity for amateur astronomers due to its brightness and proximity to Earth. You can observe Venus’s crescent shape as it moves away from the Sun with a small telescope. Higher magnification can help reduce Venus’s bright glare, although surface…
The largest member of its family, the Zhumell Portable 70mm AZ Refractor is the ideal grab-and-go telescope for taking with you everywhere you go, especially for camping vacations, treks, and backyard gatherings. Its small body easily fits within the provided nylon duffle bag, and you can be prepared to observe in just a few seconds….
The smallest in its family, the Zhumell Portable 50mm AZ Refractor is the ideal grab-and-go telescope for taking with you everywhere you go, especially for camping vacations, treks, and backyard gatherings. Its small body easily fits within the provided nylon duffle bag, and you can be prepared to observe in just a few seconds. You…
Viewing Mercury with a telescope is possible but challenging due to its proximity to the Sun. The Sun’s glare often obscures Mercury. Mercury can be seen during its greatest elongations, when it appears farthest from the Sun’s glare. Telescope with at least 60 mm (2.4 inches) in aperture is recommended to see Mercury. Observers will…
Zhumell’s 60mm Refractor Telescope can gather enough light to see Jupiter, Saturn, the Orion Nebula, lunar craters, and more. Additionally, you’ll always be prepared to observe passing comets and other astronomical occurrences like the “Blood Moon” with the Zhumell 60mm AZ Refractor Telescope. It is always easy to get started with the Zhumell 60mm AZ….
It is not possible to see the American flag on the Moon with a telescope, even with the most powerful telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope. Telescopes lack the necessary angular resolution to distinguish an object as small as the flag or a landing site on the Moon’s surface. The largest optical telescopes in the…
This article covers a brief description of telescopes of 2-16 inches available on the market. Whether you want to buy a telescope for your kids or for astrophotography or just to view planets and galaxies, this article may guide you to the best option you are looking for. You will also be able to compare…
What is a 16-inch telescope? A 16-inch telescope, also known as a 16-inch reflector or Ritchey-Chrétien telescope, is a large optical instrument designed for astronomical observations in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The primary purpose of a 16-inch telescope is to collect light, allowing for the observation of faint and distant…
What is a 15-inch telescope? A 15-inch telescope is a large optical instrument with an aperture of 381 mm (15 inches), allowing it to gather a significant amount of light for enhanced resolution and magnification capabilities. The focal length of a 15-inch telescope typically ranges from 1500 to 2000 mm, with an example like the…
What is a 14-inch telescope? A 14-inch telescope is a powerful optical instrument designed for observing celestial objects in the night sky. It features a significant aperture that determines its light-gathering power and resolution, enabling astronomers to capture clear and detailed images of stars, planets, galaxies, and deep space objects. The telescope’s focal length is…
What is a 12-inch telescope? A 12-inch telescope is a powerful optical instrument designed for amateur astronomers to observe deep-sky objects with enhanced clarity and detail. It features a 12x magnification power, making celestial objects appear larger and more defined. The telescope’s primary function is to capture bright and contrasty images of outer space through…
What is a 11-inch telescope? An 11-inch telescope is a robust astronomical instrument that boasts a substantial aperture of 279mm, enabling exceptional light-gathering capabilities and high-resolution imaging. The telescope’s computerized control system streamlines object location and tracking, making it user-friendly for novice stargazers. The focal length of an 11-inch telescope is influenced by the aperture…
What is a 10-inch telescope? A 10-inch telescope, such as the Orion SkyQuest XT10g, is a versatile optical instrument designed for observing a wide array of celestial objects, including planets, stars, galaxies, and nebulae. With its substantial light-gathering power, it offers exceptional performance in capturing high-quality images for astrophotography, particularly of deep-sky objects like galaxies…
What is a 9.25-inch telescope? A 9.25-inch telescope, known for its large aperture size, boasts a significant light-gathering ability and high resolution in observing celestial objects. The aperture of this telescope, approximately 25 inches in diameter, allows for a maximum magnification power of around 120x to 250x, with a theoretical limit of 463x, making it…
What is a 7-inch telescope? A 7-inch telescope is a versatile and powerful optical instrument that offers exceptional performance in observing celestial objects. With a price range that caters to both beginners and seasoned astronomers, this telescope is a popular choice for stargazing enthusiasts. Its 7-inch aperture provides superior light-gathering ability, making it 126 times…
What is a 5-inch telescope? A 5-inch telescope is a type of telescope with an aperture (the diameter of the objective lens) of 5 inches (127-130 mm). It is considered a medium-sized telescope, ideal for amateur astronomers and kids. A 5-inch telescope is a powerful optical instrument designed for observing celestial objects in the night…
What is a 4-inch telescope? A 4-inch telescope is an amateur telescope with an aperture size of 4 inches or approximately 100mm. The diameter of the objective lens or mirror in a 4-inch telescope is typically around 4 inches, which is smaller than larger telescopes, resulting in a narrower field of view. The focal length…
What is a 3-inch telescope? A 3-inch telescope is a type of small-size telescope that has an aperture (the diameter of the objective lens) of 3-3.75 inch (76-94 mm). The aperture size determines the light-gathering power and resolution of the telescope, with larger apertures collecting more light and providing clearer images. 3-inch telescopes are ideal…
What is a 2-inch telescope? A 2-inch telescope is a type of refracting or reflecting telescope that is used for both terrestrial applications and astronomy. The 2-inch measurement refers to the diameter of the telescope’s main optical component, which is either an objective lens or a primary mirror. The significance of the aperture in a…
GSkyer 80mm AZ Refractor is an entry-level scope with an 80 mm short focal length. Lightweight and compact size have made it a grab n go telescope. As a beginner scope, it will give fair views at this price range though with some flaws. For better views, you may need to add some accessories too….
Orion Skyscanner 100mm Telescope is a ‘grab n go’ telescope of small size and lightweight. It offers high-quality Newtonian reflector optics. Skyscanner 100mm is the best telescope at this low price range. This is designed especially for beginners. But experienced sky gazers also can buy it for an amazing experience at cheaper rates. Advantages and…
Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is a beginner’s telescope. It offers an amazing experience to novice astronomers with high-quality optics. The fast and easy setup system provides no hassle to the users. Fully coated optics makes the image sharp and have high contrast. Advantages and Disadvantages of Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ Advantages Disadvantages Technical Specifications of Celestron AstroMaster…
The invention of the telescope is often attributed to Hans Lippershey, a Dutch spectacle maker. Lippershey applied for a patent for his telescope design in 1608, as noted in Lorch’s 2004 study. This marks one of the earliest recorded instances of a functional telescope. However, the creation of the first practical refracting telescope is credited…
Telescopes have opened the door to many new observations within our universe, providing us with loads of interesting facts. These interesting facts include innovations in technology, discoveries in science, and observations of celestial bodies. Facts About the Invention of Telescopes Facts About the History of Telescopes Facts About Space Telescopes Facts About Modern Telescopes Facts…
SkyWatcher FlexTube 200P is a great telescope for both beginners and experienced astronomers. It offers maximum aperture at this price range with a sturdy user-friendly mount. The collapsible tube is a great upgrade as it makes this heavy scope amazingly portable. Its high-quality optics make the observers joyful. Advantages and Disadvantages of SkyWatcher FlexTube 200P…
Apertura DT6 Dobsonian telescope is a great beginner 6’’ telescope at an affordable price. This Newtonian reflector provides high contrast sharp images to create awesome night sky memories in the mind of amateur astronomers. This is the smallest Dobsonian scope in the market with high-quality optics and construction. Advantages and Disadvantages of Apertura DT6 Dobsonian …
Celestron Omni XLT 150 EQ Telescope offers a Newtonian reflector with a rigid German equatorial mount. A large aperture, fast focal ratio, and broader views allow serious astronomers to observe the details of the Moon and planets of our solar system and deep sky objects. The sturdy focuser accepts larger eyepieces allowing a range of…
SkyWatcher StarTravel 102 AZ3 Telescope is a pretty good scope for experienced sky gazers. It is not preferable for children or beginners as it includes a lot of controls. Without prior knowledge, it may seem hard for novice users. The small size & light weight has made it an easy ‘grab & go’ scope. Full…
Explore Scientific 10″ Truss Tube Dobsonian is well-known for its high quality and relatively low cost among amateur astronomers. The unique truss design makes the scope lightweight and portable. It is able to collect 1500 times more light than the bare eyes. The entire design ensures minimal weight with maximum rigidness. High altitude bearings and…
Celestron SkyProdigy 6 Telescope is a perfect scope for a beginner as it takes unbelievably less time to set up (only 3 minutes), and gives more time for observation. It makes the first experience of a beginner hassle-free and allows observing myriads of sky objects with just a smooth hand controller. The combo of Schmidt-Cassegrain…
SkyWatcher FlexTube 250P (10″ Collapsible) Telescope is a reflector Dobsonian scope. It offers a 10’’ large aperture with 1200 mm focal length, patented Tenson Control Handle, and portability at a modest price. The flexible features have made it a reliable and great grab-and-go telescope for beginners. Advantages and Disadvantages of SkyWatcher FlexTube 250P (10″ Collapsible)…
Celestron Advanced VX 700 Telescope is designed exclusively for ‘experienced astronomers’ or sky gazers as it provides high-contrast planetary views. It offers a complete package of Maksutov-Cassegrain optical tube, robust advanced VX equatorial mount, and a sturdy steel tripod. Advanced mechanisms and software provide stunning high-quality views and images. Advantages and Disadvantages of Celestron VX…
Celestron 7×50 Cometron Binocular is a brilliant addition to the binocular series for beginner skygazers. This lightweight and durable optical instrument comes with high-quality optics at an affordable price. You can scan the sky with these binoculars to see a particular constellation or cluster. Also can be used in bird watching, wildlife observation and marine…
The Celestron 80LCM (Lightweight Computerized Mount) is the cheapest scope among the GoTo mount series of this brand. Quality optics, portability, advanced software, and automatic features have made this scope attractive to beginner skygazers. Advantages and Disadvantages of Celestron 80LCM Advantages Disadvantages Celestron 80LCM Technical Specifications Accessories for Celestron 80LCM What can you see with…
Fig 1: Celestron Travelscope 70 (Ref: Amazon) Celestron Travelscope 70 is another cheaper scope from Celestron brand though most of the users do not want to name this nothing more than a toy. Though it is sold as a terrestrial scope and for astronomical observation also, it does not do well in any of the…
Orion StarBlast II 4.5 equatorial is one of the cheapest and most available telescopes worldwide. Besides, it is a great beginner telescope at an affordable price. It is user friendly and of great quality which makes the user a hobbyist astronomer and makes cravings for more. The StarBlast line is the largest part of Orion…
Fig 1: Orion Astroview 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope Among the 16 beginner telescopes reviewed, Orion Astroview 6 Equatorial Reflector Telescope was named one of the “Jack of All Trades” telescopes and was voted as the best telescope of the year, especially for the amateurs. This telescope is the only reflector within this price range which…
Fig 1: Celestron Omni XLT 102mm Refractor (Ref: Amazon) If you are a passionate star gazer you need a telescope that satisfies your mind. As a beginner you can start with some other cheaper 4-6 inch beginner telescope. But they will not be able to cheer you up with the views of the deep night…
ED glass is renowned for its extraordinary properties that set it apart from traditional optical glass. The abbreviation “ED” signifies Extra-Low Dispersion, indicating that this glass has a substantially lower propensity to scatter different light wavelengths, a phenomenon known as dispersion. This unique characteristic of ED glass is instrumental in mitigating chromatic aberration, often referred…
I take you all the way through the process of making a small newtonian It really isn’t that difficult and with a little bit of know-how and a few parts you can make yourself quite an impressive little telescope in the newtonian style. This is a three part series and in the first part I…
You just need a little guidance. There are lots of wonderful things that beginners can find with just a small telescope or a pair of binoculars If you are new to the whole hobby of astronomy and telescopes you are probably wondering what kinds of things you can see with just something basic like a…
I simply cannot believe they are actually doing this! Orion is releasing a new line of telescopes that are simply astounding. They are Truss-tube dobsonians and the line has three sizes of telescope: A 36 inch, a 40 inch and a 50 inch! Hard to believe. These have got to be the absolute largest aperture…
Orion has a wonderful store right on the Amazon.com website Amazon’s Orion Telescope Store Enjoy the comfort, security and great pricing of Amazon.com Orion telescopes sell a wide range of telescopes, binoculars, and accessories for astronomical and terrestrial use. One of the great things about the company is that they very much cater to all classes of…