Hi im only a teenager but i really like astronomy. I have a galileo FS-80 reflector. I see only stars or bright light, nothing very detailed. I have a planetarium hooked up to my computer. Can anyone tell me how I could be able to see more detailed things, besides buying another telescope. And yes I do have everything focused, and i have the lenses off. No trees are in the way. I have a 3x barlow lense, 20mm lense, 6.8 to 16mm zoom lense and tye 1.5x erecting eyepiece. I live in New Jersey where you can see a fair amount of stars. I can't look at any planets for a long time or the moon because they are all by the Sun. Except neptune, Pluto which is still a planet to me and Uranus which I no I will not be able to see. Please help me. I will appreciate it!
Thanks! : )
2006-09-18 14:11:53 · 4 answers · asked by gabi 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Hi. Glad you like astronomy. ( I had some photographs published in Sky & Telescope and ASTRONOMY.) First thing, take off the Barlow and the inverter. Use just the 20mm for a few days. This will give you the most field of view and the brightest image. Find a bright star like Vega ( just about overhead at dark) and focus on it. In focus the star will be at its smallest. If it will focus to a pin point then your optics are collimated good enough for now. If you went to Vega, look a bit to the north and you will see a double star. If you look closer you will see that each of the doubles is a double as well. If you can see all of this then you are set to explore. In the same constellation as Vega and the double double is M 57, the Ring Nebula. Go online and get all of your targets and where they are. Consider a Telrad or similar guide scope. And have fun!!
2006-09-18 14:36:31 · answer #1 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In addition to the other great answer, go on line and Google the Messier Catalog. Look for nebulae and star clusters. Just getting started is cool and will take time to find things. Your eye will not be able to see all color and detail as you see in photographs.
2006-09-19 01:55:17 · answer #2 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like astrnomy too. I'm not sure why but if I were you I would see it the lenses are dirty and make sure they not damaged. I would start with a low power and go up to a higher power. If you not getting the results you would and the weather is not affecting you, ask the store.
2006-09-22 10:45:18 · answer #3 · answered by Dan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend the book "Turn Left At Orion" by Consalmagno and Davis. It's about how to find various objects with a small telescope, I (and many others!) think every beginner should have a copy.
2006-09-19 06:28:58 · answer #4 · answered by Zhimbo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋