ccd or digital cameras.?

Question

Recently I was using my telescope when i found saturn, I really get exited because i've never seen a planet (only in pictures or T.V) so naturally i wished to capture that moment but someone tells me that i can only use a ccd camera it's that true or i can use my digital camera or the one who comes in the cell phone

Answer 1

I'm not sure what you friend is talking about because most digitial cameras use CCD sensors. Some use a CMOS sensor but the type of technology used isn't really that important for what you are talking about doing. I'm assuming that you want to take a photo of the plane throught the telescope. Assuming that you don't intend to use a fixed mount you will really need to use something like a camera mounted on a tripod or some type of mount that will allow you to match the cameras focus with the telescopes focal point. You can take the snap with your camera phone but don't expect a great photo.

Answer 2

I assume you have a great telescope like a Meade. Check if your telescope manufacturer sells a CCD. If you want to stargaze, what you will need is the CCD and a nice laptop/notebook to connect the CCD to. You can just download a software that takes a screenshot.