Telescopes are essential devices for any aspiring astronomy enthusiasts. Just to mention, telescopes make it easy to see far objects. Due to their varied use, telescopes come in varying designs, each best for a specific function. Broadly, telescopes can be classified as professional, amateur or commercial types. However, they can also be grouped based on optical design or mechanical design. The other minor classification is based on where they are placed, for instance, space telescopes.

That said, catadioptric telescopes fall into the group of optical telescopes. Also called compound telescopes, they are hybrid scopes which combine lenses and shaped mirrors to form an image of the object. These telescopes combine the best features of reflectors and refractors in one package.

Due to this, they have a greater degree of error correction compared to other lens or mirror counterparts. They also have a wider field of view for an excellent view. (more…)

Telescopes are a lot of fun. However, with the many options, brands, models and alternatives available, finding the perfect one can be tricky. Being the first time, you could be lost trying to understand which telescope to buy or what the various telescope terms mean.

Besides, there are several factors to consider in addition to the bewildering options to choose from. All this certainly culminates in unexplained anxiety with no idea of the best telescope.

To begin, there has to be a reason that primes one to look for a telescope. The reason ought to be met at the end of telescope search. Just to mention, scopes come in different and varying optical flavors, compound instruments, reflectors, and refractors.

Note that each design has its strengths and weaknesses as well. Besides, each is well-suited to work best in specific conditions. Therefore, ensure that your search guides you to find the appropriate design. (more…)

Having bought a telescope, ensuring that it works best and lasts long necessitates proper maintenance. One of the primary maintenance components of any telescope is cleaning. Not only does it facilitate a longer usage period but also enables you to get the most out of your view.

Cleaning of scope lenses is quite an easy and essential procedure. However, without proper caution, damage to the lenses and compounding mirrors can occur. Just to mention, cleaning is required when contamination of the lenses is evident.

That said cleaning should not be done on a regular basis. Therefore, to reduce the cleaning intervals, here are some of the tips to keep them clean: (more…)