Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I have no experience with telescopes or observing the night sky. I have always wanted to get a telescope so I can look at the moon and stars/ planets.
what type of telescope is best for that? I am hoping it is not something too expensive, but I want to get a pretty good look at whats going on up there. After reading your experiences, I am sure you can help me out. Thank you!
Kraigg

ANSWER: HI Kraigg

There are a lot of variables here.  Where do you live?  If you live in a brightly lit city, then you won't be able to see much in the way of nebulae and galaxies from your home unless you get a big and very expensive telescope.  In that case, I would look at a scope that is best for the planets and the moon--something with a long focal length and not too much aperture.  A 3" refractor or a 4-6" reflector that's around f/10 or more.  

But if you live where you can get out to some dark skies easily, then I would vote for a shorter focal length, so that you can use the scope more for the dim fuzzy objects.  In that case, you should look at a 6-8inch reflector that's f/5 to f/8 or so. Those are also easier to carry around or load into your car.

All of these should be for sale for under $400, and these days you can probably get a good deal on something for less than that.

If that is way beyond your budget, then I vote for the simplest all-around telescope, a 4.5" reflector that can do a little bit of everything.

Does that make sense?  The other option is to buy a book and a nice set of binoculars, and use them to get to know the night sky.  I  love doing this, even now, and while you may outgrow a small telescope, you will never outgrow a good pair of binoculars.

hope that helps.

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot. I actually knew what you were talking about because I did some research about telescopes, so I knew what f/10,9,8,7,6 meant. Iwas looking into buying a Stellarvue Nighthawk II - 80 f/6. there is one on Astromart classifieds for $245 (used obviously). What do you think about that telescope, if you are familiar with it. I should be able to see other galaxies with it, being that it is an f/6, right? and how well will i be able to see other planets with it?
Thanks again!
Kraigg

ANSWER: HI Kraigg

The Skyhawk is only 80 mm, or 3 inches in diameter, so it's a good general scope, but won't capture a lot of light for those dim galaxies.  But it is very convenient, and should work well with the moon and planets.

When it comes to galaxies, there is no substitution for aperture!

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Oh. Misunderstood some of the info. I had to go back and read your previous answer to Q1. I understand now. But could you explain what aperture is please.
Thank you for your time, I really appreciate it!

Answer
hi  Kraigg

Aperture is the diameter of the primary mirror or lens.  That's the part of your optics that captures the light, and the bigger it is, the more light it captures--and the better you can see dim objects.

If it is at all possible, I really recommend finding a local astronomy association that is having a star party---where their members show up and use their scopes.  It's a great way to see the difference between all of these kinds of scopes.

PW