My price range is $400-500 i want to be able to see the rings on saturn and the red spot on juipiter and the ice caps on mars but i don't think a 500 telescope can see all that. But if im wrong tell me.
2007-11-28 06:59:10 · 8 answers · asked by jason h 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I'm an ameture i spelled it wrong but who cares!!!!!!
2007-11-28 07:00:06 · update #1
As with all telescopes, the most important factor for good viewing is aperture, or the diameter of the objective lens or mirror. If you're on a budget, that usually means getting a reflector, which is cheaper for the same aperture than a refractor. You should be able to see Saturn's rings, the Red Spot, and the polar cap on Mars with anything 4" in diameter or bigger, which should be well within your price range.
Planets are also small, so you will need high magnification for the best views. That means either short focal-length eyepieces, or long focal-length objective (or both). If you wear glasses, short eyepieces can be troublesome because you may need to get your eye closer to the eyepiece than your glasses allow.
High magnification also means small fields of view, so you will need a good telescope mounting to follow the planets across the sky. That means an equatorial mount at least -- and a motorized mount would be even better.
Perhaps the best compromise might be a catadioptric telescope, such as the Schmidt-Cassegrains now commonly available. They pack a long focal length in a short tube, and are not too expensive. Both Celestron and Meade make a number of models. You should be able to find a used one in your price range on e-bay, or even a new one if you scrounge the net thoroughly.
2007-11-28 09:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Best Telescope For Planets
2016-11-08 01:06:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, when it comes to observing planets and other solar system objects, the Refractor type of Telescope reigns supreme.
It is the only type of Telescope commercially available that does not have a central obstruction in the light path. This obstruction causes diffraction and a loss of contrast in Reflecting telescopes.
The sharper, more contrasty images of a Refractor are just what is needed to discern the fine detail visible on planets.
But, as usual, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Refractors are also, size for size, the most expensive Telescopes around.
This makes it really a special purpose Telescope. For all-round use, the advice given here is correct. In your price range you can get a quality reflecting telescope several times the size of a Refractor. Orion telescopes is an excellent place for a newcomer to buy his/her first telescope since they have excellent quality equipment at very good prices and stand behing their products 100%.
Please!! do NOT buy your first Telescope from places like ebay, amazon, department stores or places like that. Most of the Telescopes sold there are pure junk and it takes a lot of experience to tell them apart from the few good ones sold there.
Adolph
2007-11-28 23:49:03 · answer #3 · answered by Adolph K 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Because planets are small and require high magnification, the key is high optical quality. I got lucky and was able to get a used Criterion Dynascope (no longer made) that is a top quality planetary telescope for only $50 back in the 1970s. It is a 6 inch reflector. Such a telescope will show you all that and more. There are similar modern telescopes you can buy, but they probably won't have that legendary Criterion quality. See the source for some.
2007-11-28 07:20:07 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
What is the best telescope for viewing planets?
My price range is $400-500 i want to be able to see the rings on saturn and the red spot on juipiter and the ice caps on mars but i don't think a 500 telescope can see all that. But if im wrong tell me.
2015-08-10 15:16:50 · answer #5 · answered by Jeri 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get the largest diameter scope you can find for your money. A good used one, 4-6 inches in diameter is the place to start.You won't be seeing the planets as good as you see in various books. This is because many pictures of the planet is photographed, then processed together, that gives you a very detailed look.
The planet will be small, but you should see the rings on Saturn. The more you magnify the dimmer the object will get. That is why you should get the biggest diameter scope you can find. This helps bring in more light to keep the object bright under magnification.
The scope should come with 2 eyepieces of varying power. Such as a 25mm and maybe a 9mm.
2007-11-28 13:52:11 · answer #6 · answered by Mike P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi! If you want to look at the moon and planets, you could go for a Refractor, with a 4 inch aperture or larger. There is also Maksutov-Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrain Type Telescopes. You could also go for a Reflector with a longer focal lenght like f 8, with an aperture of 114mm to 150mm. I am also looking for a planetary scope, and I am considering all of these options. If your price range is $400-500, a 4 inch refractor maybe $600.. You could get the reflector though!
2015-06-26 12:38:58 · answer #7 · answered by Brown snout 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure, a telescope in that price range can see all that, and more...
See my earlier answer to you to get the specifics...
2007-11-28 07:13:41 · answer #8 · answered by Bobby 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one you can't afford!
Try ebay for a second-hand scope.
2007-11-28 07:59:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋