How Do I Choose a Telescope For a Beginner
The telescopes are categorized into three categories depending upon the optics used.
Q. What Is a Telescope Mount? Which one should I buy?
Mounts the base on which OTA (Optical tube assembly) is fixed. Fundamentally there are two types of Mounts
Dobsonian mount is an Altazimuth mount.
GoTo or Computerised can be both Altazimuth and Equatorial.
All the above amounts can be controlled manually called Manual Mounts, through motor called Motorised Mounts, and computerized called GoTo Mounts.
Q. What are Tripods?
Tripods: Tripods are stands on which the mounts are placed. Thus a Tripod supports the amount and the telescope/OTA. Tripods are of various types. Light or heavy, Aluminum or Stainless Steel.
Q. How do I configure/buy the right combination?
There are four basic elements of a telescope:
OTA: OTA is called Optical Tube Assembly and it contains the Optics part of the telescopes. It is the main part through which you observe the heavenly objects. It is recommended to have Small Refractor OTA's and have 6-8" Reflector OTA depending upon your budget. You can fit these OTA on your Mount with the help of Tube Rings and Dovetail Plate. Refractors can be used for Planetary observation and Astrophotography and can also be used as a guide scope which doing Astrophotography.
Mount: A mount is the part of the telescope which holds the OTA and the tube is attached to the Mount so that the desired movements can be achieved. Selecting your Mount is very important. An Altazimuth mount cannot be used for tracking and astrophotography, so it is recommended to choose an Equatorial Mount, then depending upon your budget go for Manual Tracking, Motorised Tracking, or GoTo tracking. At least Motorised Tracking Mounts are recommended for AstroPhotography.
Eye Pieces: Eyepieces are the optical instrument that is used to view the Objects far in space. It provides Magnification depending upon the focal length of the OTA. Plossl Eyepieces of all the ranges are recommended. The Eyepieces are available from 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, and 40mm. Otherwise, a moderate range can be procured. Eyepieces come with two standard outer diameters: 1.25" and 2". Telescopes with focusers that do not comply with these sizes should be avoided because you might not be able to buy separate eyepieces that are compatible with your telescope.
Q. Which devices are used for collimation?
Laser Collimator :
Collimation is the adjustment of the position and orientation of optical elements within a telescope to achieve optimum performance. Poor collimation is the number one killer of telescope performance. Many people are intimidated by the prospect of collimating their telescopes and consequently will not attempt it. As a result many telescopes, with otherwise good optics, are left operating below their true optical capability. A laser collimator is by far the easiest technique and tool to collimate a telescope using a red laser.
Cheshire collimation Eye Piece:
This collimating eyepiece is a mix of a locating cylinder and Cheshire eyepiece. The locating cylinder's thin field of view and line of sight gives a focusing reference to the telescope's optical components. The Cheshire eyepiece has a method for giving brightening to an objective face (set at 45 degrees to the lighting up opening) that will be utilized to collimate the essential mirror.
Q. What is a Laser Pointer and how it is utilized?
A Laser Pointer is most usually used to extend a state of light to feature things of enthusiasm during an introduction. Most laser pointers have low enough force that the extended pillar presents an insignificant peril to eyes for accidental presentation. Light emission isn't in itself obvious from the side, yet just by light dispersed by dust particles; the little width of the bar and low intensity of commonplace laser pointers make the bar itself undetectable in a sensibly perfect environment, indicating a state of light when impinging on a misty surface
What is Spotting Scope and where it is utilized.
Q. I am a tenderfoot. How might I learn space science?
It is constantly proposed to join an Amateur Astronomy bunch in your general vicinity, where you can proceed to learn the fundamentals of Astronomy. Consequently, we had started Astronomica, You can join Astronomica and be presented to different sorts of types of gear and meet individuals like you who are new to space science alongside prepared Astronomers.