Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I've had a Carson 50mm AIM refracting telescope for a few years now (that I got for free) and I've just started to use it.  I was wondering if this is a decent telescope.  I'm assuming it's not that good because when I'm looking at the planets, Mars in particular, all I see is a red dot of light.  I see absolutely nothing but that.  However with the Moon, I'm quite pleased with my view; it fills about 3/4 of my view and the detail is pretty good.  I eventually want to buy better and better ones, but for now I'm content with the planets, moon, and constellations.  I also live close to Philadelphia and this clouds my view, but do you happen to know how well I might be able to see in this area or where I can find that out?  Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Adam

There aren't very many 50mm scopes that are much good.  The moon is just about the best an easiest thing to look at in the sky, and it's great that you are spending time there.  

You live in a tough place for a scope--the light pollution is pretty bad.  If you really want to get the most out of your scope, try to get out into some dark skies, far away from the city ights.

Once you have dark skies, you should be able to see many of the objects on the Messier list--over 100 very interesting objects in the sky.  Here is a link to them:

http://www.starshine.com/frankn/astronomy/messier.asp

And in the meantime, the planets and the moon are a great place to spend some time.  Saturn, and particularly Jupiter, are still quite interesting in a small scope.

Paul Wagner

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the info, you've confirmed what I was afraid of.  I just have a few more questions?  About how far from the city do you think I need to get to be able to view the Messier objects?  I know I also need to get a star chart, but I'm not sure how it's helpful.  I found a website that gives me a star chart for my location at specific time.  Now if the sky above is constantly moving (well we're moving), how is a printed and stationary star chart helpful?  Along with the website, I bought a compass to help find objects.  The other night I could swear that north changed direction, am I crazy?  You mentioned about Saturn and Jupiter being interesting for my scope, but will I see more than just a dot of light like I do with Mars?  Speaking of Mars, should I be seeing more than just that dot of red light?  Thanks again!

Answer
Hi Adam

Lots of questions! You need to get far enough out of town to see magnitude 5 stars.  If you can't seen all of the stars of the Little Dipper, the sky is way too bright.  And I use websites as well--just print out the charts so that you can look at them while you are observing.

Yes, you are crazy--North didn't change direction....grin.  But you may have put something metallic near the compass, which would have the same effect.

And yes, you will see the rings of Saturn, and cloud bands on Jupiter.  

Paul Wagner