tasco 500x114mm Galaxsee Reflector Telescope?

Question

good morining i have a 500x114 telescope details are
Telescope Type: Reflector
Objective Lens Diameter: 114mm
Focal Length: 1000mm
Focal Ratio: 9
Mount: Equatorial 1
Barlow: 2X
Interchangeable Eyepieces: (1.25") MA20 (50X), MA10 (100X)

does anyone know what should i be able to see with this ? i have no idea how to use it, it came with a 10,000 item sighting CD but its so confusing to use, anyone here pro enough to tell me what should i be able to view with this scope, or any websites that can tell me what i can view...

thanks for your help

Answer 1

This is similar to my first telescope. With it I was able to see the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, many double stars, and over 50 deep sky objects, mostly open and globular clusters, but also some diffuse and planetary nebulae and galaxies. It's an OK beginner's telescope.

There are a number of books which will help you learn to use your scope and find these things with it. Try NightWatch by Terence Dickinson (Firefly), Turn Left At Orion by Consolmagno and Davis (Cambridge) or Star Watch by Phil Harrington (Wiley). Joining a local astronomy club may also help, since clubs usually hold observing sessions where the more experienced mebers help the beginners to find things in the sky.

One piece of advice. Don't bother using the 10mm eyepiece or the Barlow lens, as these are usually junk. The instructions which come with Tasco scopes are usually poorly written. Try using these instructions for a similar scope instead:
http://content.telescope.com/rsc/img/catalog/product/instructions/IN_208_SpaceProbe3_EQ_B.pdf

Answer 2

Besides the Moon and the planets, you should be able to see a variety of deep sky objects. The Messier objects make a good starting point. This is a list of 100+ objects compiled by Charles Messier in the late 18th century and consists of relatively bright objects. These objects are identified by the letter M, e.g., M13, M57, M31.

Seds.org has a lot of observing information about these and other objects. Here's a link to their list of constellation maps showing where to find the Messier objects: http://www.seds.org/messier/map/map.html

As always, your best resource is your local astronomy club, if you have one.

Answer 3

What the best lens?