Dobsonian Telescope
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Orion Three-Fan Cooling System for Convex-Back Dobsonians
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DescriptionThis time-saving cooling system features three fans which have been custom designed to fit the Orion XX14g GoTo Dobsonian primary mirror cell. All three small fans work in tandem to help reduce the amount of time needed for the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air temperature of your observing location. You'll enjoy peak performance from your XX14g GoTo Dobsonian without having to wait as long for the air inside the telescope to cool down to the same temperature as your stargazing site. Consisting of three 12-volt DC, 0.12A fans which are wired in parallel, the Orion Three-Fan Cooling System for Convex-Back Dobsonians features a single 35" long power cable splitter for convenient use. Each fan boasts 33.4 CFM (cubic foot per minute) air flow to help significantly accelerate cooling of your Dobsonian telescope's optics. The fans operate quietly without vibrating, and they mount easily in threaded holes on the the XX14g primary mirror cell with included hardware. For best results, run the Orion Three-Fan Cooling System prior to using the reflector telescope. You can also use the cooling fans intermittently between observations to compensate for any ambient temperature changes that may occur. Power is supplied using the included battery holder which accepts 8 D-cell batteries (batteries not included). Since the Three-Fan Cooling System current draw is a low 0.36 amps, a full battery holder with 8 D-cells will provide over 24 hours of use. Features
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Choose a Good Beginners Telescope - Cut Through the Information Overload
So you've been bitten by the astronomy bug and want to get started with your very own telescope, but you're confused by the vast number of possible purchases? You are not alone, astronomy stores are accustomed to dealing with the confused beginner though of course not everybody has the opportunity to visit a specialist store. This article is intended to help cut through some of the confusion.
It's important to choose a telescope that is right for you, for example there is no point having a great big Dobsonian if you rarely get the chance to assemble it in a good dark sky location.
There are several factors to be considered from practical considerations like size, weight and portability to the price you can afford and indeed where you'll be doing the majority of your observing. Ignoring more advanced uses like astrophotography we might think along the following lines.
As a general rule, the larger the aperture the more you can expect out of your telescope. Refractors will generally outperform similar size reflectors. Refractors however are more expensive than reflectors, due to the extra high quality glass involved. They can also be impractical to handle at larger apertures where they can also reach very long tube lengths.
Large aperture reflectors can have comparatively short tubes and be very easy to handle as well as inexpensive. There is a little extra maintenance involved as you may need to clean and align the mirror from time to time, this procedure is known as collimation.
Catadioptric telescopes are a combination of refractor and reflector and are quite portable even at large apertures. A great many amateur astronomers who have access to good dark sky sites, ultimately end up with catadioptric telescopes because the offer a range of possibilities including astrophotography. The large ones, like most large aperture scopes, are not ideal in light polluted areas like the city and suburbs.
Those big Dobsonian telescopes are really just big reflectors mounted on simple turntables and their attraction is their huge light capture and simplicity of use, making them ideal for visual astronomy in a good location (again they are not so good in light polluted areas).
If you do not relish the thought of learning to find your way around the skies you could consider purchasing one of the models that come with a computerized mount. These 'Go-To' telescopes have made finding targets a breeze.
With those facts in mind you can now think about where you are going to do the most observing and choose a suitable beginners telescope. If you live in the city and are unlikely to get to a rural location for observing then perhaps stick with the small to medium size refractors, reflectors or catadioptrics, with or without the go-to function, your budget will probably start to dictate the choices here! If on the other hand you live in a dark sky area then my recommendation is to buy a great big Dobsonian. These offer so much viewing pleasure and are so simple to use it is difficult to fault them.
About the Author
See my Squidoo page for more on how to choose a good beginners telescope and some specific recommendations and absolute bargains!
Telescopes for Beginners
, a site helping others get a start in astronomy.
Telescopes for Beginners
i have an 8 inch dobsonian telescope, whats the best magnification i can get?
all i ver get is the outlines of the planets, and it shows up fairly small, what can i do to get really high magnification, what type of eyepieces do i neeed?
The planets *are* small dots in amateur telescopes.
With experience, you will learn to see the detail in those small dots.
The usual rule of thumb (2x per millimeter of aperture) says that the maximum magnification you would want to use on your telescope is 400x. This assumes perfect seeing, which rarely happens. Your views are usually limited by the atmosphere.
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 New Orion SkyQuest XT45 Classic Dobsonian Telescope  US $239.99
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 New Orion SkyQuest XT6 Classic Dobsonian Telescope US $299.99
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 New Orion SkyQuest XT8g GoTo Dobsonian Telescope US $949.99
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 Celestron SkyWatcher 12 Truss Tube Dobsonian Telescope US $995.00
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 Orion SkyQuest XT6i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope US $199.99
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Orion Three-Fan Cooling System for Convex-Back Dobsonians
List Price: |
DescriptionThis time-saving cooling system features three fans which have been custom designed to fit the Orion XX14g GoTo Dobsonian primary mirror cell. All three small fans work in tandem to help reduce the amount of time needed for the telescope to reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient air temperature of your observing location. You'll enjoy peak performance from your XX14g GoTo Dobsonian without having to wait as long for the air inside the telescope to cool down to the same temperature as your stargazing site. Consisting of three 12-volt DC, 0.12A fans which are wired in parallel, the Orion Three-Fan Cooling System for Convex-Back Dobsonians features a single 35" long power cable splitter for convenient use. Each fan boasts 33.4 CFM (cubic foot per minute) air flow to help significantly accelerate cooling of your Dobsonian telescope's optics. The fans operate quietly without vibrating, and they mount easily in threaded holes on the the XX14g primary mirror cell with included hardware. For best results, run the Orion Three-Fan Cooling System prior to using the reflector telescope. You can also use the cooling fans intermittently between observations to compensate for any ambient temperature changes that may occur. Power is supplied using the included battery holder which accepts 8 D-cell batteries (batteries not included). Since the Three-Fan Cooling System current draw is a low 0.36 amps, a full battery holder with 8 D-cells will provide over 24 hours of use. Features
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Celestron 21024 FirstScope Telescope
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DescriptionIn 1609, world-renowned Italian scientist, Galileo Galilei, introduced an elementary telescope to the growing astronomy community, which sparked interest into the mysterious night sky for centuries to come. Four centuries later, in celebration of the International Year of Astronomy 2009, Celestron offers the portable FirstScope Telescope. The FirstScope pays tribute to Galileo Galilei and many of history's most notable astronomers and scientists by displaying their names around the optical tube. Honoring the contributions of these men and women, who brought us one step closer to understanding the universe around us. The FirstScope is a wonderful keepsake for anyone interested in astronomy. This quality Dobsonian style telescope features a 76mm aperture reflector optical tube. FirstScope is an ideal entry-level astronomical telescope. It is very easy to observe with; you simply navigate the night sky by moving the tube in the direction of the desired object, making the viewing experience a snap! The compact design makes it easy enough to take with you on your next outdoor adventure. FirstScope is also stylish enough to be a decorative fixture on your bookshelf or desk. Features
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Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian Telescope
Sale Price: $349.99 |
DescriptionA powerful and capable telescope, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian is one of our most popular reflectors due to its elegant combination of precision optics, mechanical simplicity, and rock-solid stability. You and your whole family will appreciate the bright, clear views of the night sky provided by the XT8 Classic. The Moon and planets of our solar system like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars shine brightly in the SkyQuest XT8 Classic, allowing you to inspect them in detail. The XT8's 8-inch aperture is also large enough to gather a significant amount of light from more distant celestial objects for great views of sparkling star clusters, cloudy nebulas, and faraway galaxies. The XT8 Classic Dob is a tremendous value considering the high quality views it provides on such a wide variety of celestial objects. The point-and-view simplicity of the Dobsonian design is not as complicated as an equatorial (EQ) mount and tripod, so with a little practice, your whole family can scan the heavens just like experienced hobbyists. For any astronomer seeking serious adventure, the XT8 Classic Dob has it all! Features
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Telrad Finder Sight
Sale Price: $39.95 |
DescriptionThe easiest way to aim a telescope. The view seen through the window of the Telrad is continuous with the sky around it, not magnified or upside down. Three rings are lighted and appear to lie among the stars. The small ring outlines the Moon-sized area seen in the telescope. The large outer ring outlines the area seen in a standard Finderscope. To point your telescope, just look through the Telrad and move the telescope until the rings are centered on the object. The Telrad is 8 inches long. Weighs 11 ounces and mounts on any telescope without drilling any holes. It unlocks from its base for separate storage. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Features
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Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Telescope
Sale Price: $199.99 |
DescriptionOrion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector TelescopeLaunch a lifetime of stargazing with this compact, ready-to-use telescopeTop-notch optics show you the moon, the planets, the stars and moreScope comes fully assembled so you can go from box to backyard in minutesHigh-quality optics, point-and-view ease of use, remarkable portability, all for less than $200Your ticket to space-tourism without the zero-G nauseaMaybe it's because many of us started out with those frustrating little department store refractors, but at Orion we strive to offer quality telescopes for beginners that are easy to use and will inspire their natural inclination to explore.The Orion StarBlast is one such telescope. Pint-sized in stature, it's a real reflecting telescope that's super-simple to use and yet manufactured with the kind of quality you'd expect in more expensive models.The Orion StarBlast is a point-and-view telescope that swivels smoothly on its sturdy, low-profile base. No complicated setup is required. In fact, it comes pre-assembled and ready for action right out of the box! Just carry it outdoors by its built-in handle, place it on the ground or on a picnic bench, and let the fun begin!Inside the StarBlast's 18"-long steel tube are real, quality telescope optics, including a 114mm (4.5") parabolic mirror. With the two Explorer II telescope eyepieces, upcoming skywatchers will see spectacular views of the Moon's craters, the planets, star clusters, and lots of other exotic space stuff. Aiming the Orion StarBlast is easy with the EZ Finder II "red dot" finder scope. The package also includes an eyepiece rack and a snap-on dust cap.The Orion StarBlast will not only give beginners hour after hour of fun, but will also nurture their interest in the night sky. One-year limited warranty. This item cannot be shipped internationally due to its size and weight. Features
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Meade LightBridge 10 Inch Truss-Tube Dobsonian Telescope - MEAD378
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DescriptionIt's not just a big telescope. It's a big telescope that goes anywhere. New LightBridge Truss-Dobsonian from Meade sets up and disassembles quickly so you can take one of these massive windows to the universe out to your favorite dark-sky location with ease. The LightBridge gives you high-quality Meade optics premium components and ultra portability all for about the same price as an ordinary tube Dobsonian. So get a LightBridge Truss-Dobsonian and prepare to cross the universe.Diffraction Limited OpticsMeade optics consistently outperform telescopes of similar and larger aperture. Consumers know that "Meade Optics Inside" means that what they see through our telescopes will be views that are detailed crisp and full of contrast.Meade Optical CoatingsAluminum coatings with magnesium fluoride provide bright images full of detail.2-inch Crayford-style Machined Aluminum Focuser with 1.25-inch AdapterSmooth precise focusing is achieved with this classic design. A unique focus tension knob and focus lock design give complete control over focus.Built-In Primary Mirror Cooling FanBring the telescope into thermal equilibrium quickly and efficiently with the battery-powered cooling fan. The fan is mounted to the rear of the "vented" primary mirror cell for fast cool-down.Steel RA Roller BearingsRoller bearings make movements smooth and effortless.Advanced Four-Reticle Red-Dot Viewfinder FinderscopeFour reticles and varying brightness controls allow this deluxe finder to adjust to your observing needs.Series 4000 26mm EyepieceThis is a premium four-element 1.25-inch eyepiece with a stunning 52-degree apparent field of view.Series 4000 26mm QX Wide-Angle EyepieceThis premium eyepiece has a two-inch optical design and boasts a whopping 70-degree apparent field of view.Easy to Assemble and Quick to Set UpMetal Front Secondary Mirror Tube with 2-inch Crayford FocuserA Crayford-style focuser is a premium focuser that allows fast acurate focusing. Designed for serious observing a |
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Orion SkyQuest XT10i IntelliScope Dobsonian Telescope
Sale Price: $729.99 |
DescriptionThis remarkable scope combines powerful 254mm-diameter reflector optics with point-and-view simplicity in one nicely portable package. And with included Computerized Object Locator, even the first-time stargazer can pinpoint the location of 14,000+ celestial wonders stored in the IntelliScope's databank. It's like having your own personal tour guide to the universe! The optical tube houses an 10" (254mm) parabolic mirror and rides on our state-of-the-art Dobsonian base, equipped with springless CorrecTension friction control for smooth movement and always-perfect tube balance. Features
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GPS Receiver for Orion GoTo Telescope Mounts
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DescriptionThis GPS receiver downloads precise location and time/date information to the GoTo computer on Atlas EQ-G, Sirius EQ-G, and SkyView Pro GoTo hand controllers, so you don't have to. It uses satellite global positioning data to make inputting accurate geographical location and time a breeze. It eliminates the need to manually enter location details, adding an element of convenience and time-saving to your evenings of viewing and imaging. It is especially useful if you take your GoTo telescope to a variety of locations. Just plug the GPS Receiver into the accessory port on your GoTo hand controller. Includes a USB PC interface and software. Note: Requires version 3.x of the GoTo hand controller. Requires version 3.10 of the GoTo hand controller. Not compatible with earlier versions. Features
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The Complete Guide to Building Your Own 8-inch Telescope
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DescriptionI've written a book on how to build a telescope just like the one I did so anyone can do it. Every step and every piece is covered in great detail so you can actually build a powerful telescope much more powerful than the one's typically found in department stores. The optics are larger with greater light-gathering power and resolution, enabling you to observe fainter stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and to see finer detail on planets. The high magnifications advertised with department store telescopes are actually useable with this telescope. The eyepieces are larger with a bigger window for the eye to look into, not something you must squint and strain to see anything. The mounting is very rigid and stable, not like the flimsy tripods that move and vibrate to the point you have to move your head around trying to keep up with the bouncing image. The simple design makes the instrument able to be set up in seconds anywhere you bring it. If you follow the instructions in the order given it's almost impossible to fail. The large optics gather 500 times more light than the unaided eye, permitting stunning views of the universe. Amaze your family and friends with the achievement of making a powerful telescope that will yield a lifetime of beautiful views of the heavens. This would make a great parent-child project that would prove very rewarding. Be prepared for sighting celestial objects like you've never seen them before with this truly powerful 8-inch reflecting telescope. I've written a book on how to build a telescope just like the one I did so anyone can do it. Every step and every piece is covered in great detail so you can actually build a powerful telescope much more powerful than the one's typically found in department stores. The optics are larger with greater light-gathering power and resolution, enabling you to observe fainter stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and to see finer detail on planets. The high magnifications advertised with department store telescopes are actually useable with this telescope. The eyepieces are larger with a bigger window for the eye to look into, not something you must squint and strain to see anything. The mounting is very rigid and stable, not like the flimsy tripods that move and vibrate to the point you have to move your head around trying to keep up with the bouncing image. The simple design makes the instrument able to be set up in seconds anywhere you bring it. If you follow the instructions in the order given it's almost impossible to fail. The large optics gather 500 times more light than the unaided eye, permitting stunning views of the universe. Amaze your family and friends with the achievement of making a powerful telescope that will yield a lifetime of beautiful views of the heavens. This would make a great parent-child project that would prove very rewarding. Be prepared for sighting celestial objects like you've never seen them before with this truly powerful 8-inch reflecting telescope. |
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The Dobsonian Telescope: A Practical Manual for Building Large Aperture Telescopes
Sale Price: $899.90 |
DescriptionThis book tells how you can build a state-of-the-art Dobsonian telescope using readily available materials and supplies. Every step of construction is detailedin photographs and diagrams, and the underlying ideas are carefully explained. As a result of this three-year collaboration between authors David Kriege and Richard Berry, experienced and well-known telescope makers, you now have the opportunity to build a high-performance telescope from 14 inches to 40 inches aperture based on the thoroughly tested designs described in this book. The Dobsonian telescope takes its name from the astronomer/philosopher John Dobson, who introduced the concept of inexpensive, large-aperture telescopes to astronomy. Amateur astronomers at the time were so amazed that a telescope builtfrom simple, inexpensive materials performed so well that they could hardly believe their eyes. As home-built Dobsonians started showing up at star parties across the nation and people saw what Dobsonians could do, the word spread. In just a few years, the Dobsonian revolution swept the world. Since those early telescopes, Dobsonians have improved dramatically. An entire generation of amateur telescope makers contributed their best insights and refinements to Dobson's original design. Today's Dobsonians are larger, lighter,and more precise than ever before. For example, it is possible to build a telescope of 20 inches aperture that is compact enough to transp Features
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