All About Telescopes

It is very important for astronomy lovers to learn everything about telescopes, about their types and who invented the first telescope. For practical purposes, figuring out how to choose the best telescope for your home and other model is very useful. In addition to these points, you will have to figure out the device of such a technique deeper.

The vast majority of people know that a telescope is used in astronomy and looks predominantly like a tube with support legs. The main purpose of such devices is to collect electromagnetic radiation from space objects located at a certain distance. For a very long time, only optical telescopes existed, but in the twentieth century, devices appeared that capture waves of other wavelengths. True, traditional optical technology is not going to give up its positions, and it is in the lead in the number of units.

Through such pipes you can observe:

• The sun;
• The moon;
• planets of the solar system and their satellites;
• asteroids;
• comets;
• stars and their clusters;
• distant galaxies.

There are several common types of telescopes.

Such devices are also called refractors or diopter telescopes. Historically, this was the very first type of astronomical instrument. The lens is bounded on both sides by a sphere.

This type is called a catadioptric telescope. She also has an additional name - reflector... A concave mirror is used as a lens.It is the mirror scheme that is most common, because it is much easier to make an optical mirror than a lens with comparable characteristics. The history of such equipment began a little later than that of lens models, with a difference of several decades.

These are also catadioptric devices. Already from the name it is easy to understand that such an observation device consists of both mirrors and lenses. The Schmidt-Cassegrain technique involves setting the diaphragm at the very center of the curvature of the mirror. Spherical deflection is suppressed and picture quality is increased. The Maksutov-Cassegrain approach is to use a plano-convex lens that is placed exactly in the focal plane. Field curvature and spherical deflection are also canceled out.

The Barlow lens is one of the main elements of many telescopes. Contrary to the name, sometimes it is a whole complex of smaller lenses. The main purpose of its application is to increase the focal length.... The corresponding element is usually located in front of the eyepiece. It got its name in honor of its creator - mathematician and physicist P. Barlow.

The principle of operation of professional devices and their amateur counterparts is very different. The difference is also in the cost of such products. Also, the differences relate to:

• multiplicity;
• apertures;
• auxiliary functions;
• the ability to take decent quality photos.

The solar telescope works strictly when observing the sun, it is also often called a heliograph. Observations usually take place during the day, which makes us put up with poor visibility. Sun-induced heating is also a problem. The largest instruments are used to study remote parts of the Universe, including superclusters of galaxies. Ultraviolet systems have a special sphere of action.

With their help, the chemical composition of distant bodies, including the interstellar medium, is established. This technique allows you to determine the temperature and composition of newly formed hot stars.... Basically, near-earth devices help to capture ultraviolet light. Orbiting telescopes do not depend in their work on the conditions in the earth's atmosphere, so they work year-round and around the clock with high efficiency. Such devices are capable of operating not only in the optical and ultraviolet, but also in the X-ray, microwave, and infrared ranges.

The electronic type of a telescope, contrary to the obvious, may not contain the usual electronics in the usual sense. An important feature is that the photoelectronic imaging system will receive the waves. For example, this is an image converter. The digital apparatus does not exist as such. However, some models can connect to computers or laptops.

They usually select equipment for professionals themselves, but amateurs need a completely different technique - a thirty-meter device is unlikely to suit anyone. Any model must be carefully evaluated according to the criterion how convenient and practical it will be. From the very beginning, you should also figure out whether the device will be used for observing the stars or whether it will be needed for ground-based observations. Almost all astronomical objects, except those closest to Earth, are very dim and require excellent luminosity. If you need to look at terrestrial objects, you can opt for models with a small objective diameter, with the eyepieces located on the side of the tube.

The same devices are suitable for exploring the Moon, the Sun and the largest star clusters. It's another matter if the device is selected not for beginners, but for advanced amateurs who seek to see distant space objects. Faint galaxies and nebulae are much more difficult to see. And in this case, the best telescope for the home will be the one with an increased aperture.Most often we are talking about the device of the classical Newtonian system, which is not at all obsolete.

For viewing the planets and the moon at home, a refractor will be the best choice. This technique does not require any special maintenance. True, the cost of such a device can be an unpleasant surprise. A compromise in quality and price is the Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Classification by wavelength range is interesting mainly for specialists, because it is unlikely that anyone at home will study X-ray or radio astronomy. The magnification of a telescope is determined by the ratio of the focal length to the eyepiece. Additionally, you should pay attention to the exit pupil and the overall resolution of the device. But all that has been said and the characteristics of the image are not all. The fastening of the pipe according to the azimuthal or equatorial principle is significant. The choice between them is determined by the needs of the observers.

For preschoolers, a 100mm refractor with an azimuth mount is enough. Such equipment is suitable for the simplest observation from a balcony or roof. Schoolchildren who have already mastered more complex skills are better off buying a 200 mm azimuth telescope. This device is already suitable for viewing planets and nebulae.

Modern telescopes are manufactured by many companies, but not all of them deserve the same attention.

• Stands out among domestic suppliers Veber, which implements dozens of demanded samples. Even the budget versions of such equipment are very richly equipped. Each specimen has a range of eyepieces, a finder and a Barlow lens.

• Products of the brand also enjoy a good reputation. Konus... This Italian manufacturer can offer a wide range of mounts and tripods. Its products are optimized for the consumer needs of aspiring astronomy connoisseurs. There are products for the youngest users. More advanced devices have electric drives in many cases.

• Technics have a decent level of automation Orion... This brand has been producing exclusively telescopes since 1975. Even the basic simplest models have excellent optics and precise mechanics. A well-thought-out autolocation system is provided, making it easier to aim at the target. However, excellent practical quality comes at a premium.

• Telescopes have excellent value for money SkyWatcher... This manufacturer offers 15 product lines designed for pros and beginners alike. It is possible to equip with all types of optical systems and mounts. The value for money is really attractive. The products of this brand are very popular in different countries of the world.

• The rating of specific models should start with a telescope designed for children. Sturman HQ2 60090 AZ... This is a classic device with a focal length of 60 cm and a lens section of 9 cm. The highest magnification reaches 180x. Users can adjust the tripod and connect the camera using the adapter. However, there is no automatic guidance. Other features:
  • multilayer coated lenses;
  • diagonal 45 degree prisms;
  • 3x Barlow lens;
  • bore diameter 1.25 inches;
  • easy quick setup.

• Levenhuk Skyline BASE 70T - also a good version. This is a classic reflector with a clear image. The lens has a size of 7 cm. The diagonal type mirror works very efficiently. The telescope weighs no more than 3 kg and is aimed automatically, but it needs periodic focusing.

• Bresser National Geographic 114/500 Is another great telescope. The Newtonian reflector looks stylish thanks to its attractive black finish.The device includes a compass. The package bundle is quite good, but the optics are not coated. The 6x30 optical finder works very efficiently, and the mount is carried out according to the azimuth scheme.

• Perfect for professional users Levenhuk Skyline PRO 105 MAK. It provides up to 200x magnification, and the optics are well-coated. The delivery set includes a pair of eyepieces. This device is made according to the Maksutov-Cassegrain scheme. The field of view reaches 52 degrees.

The field of view of a telescope can be calculated by dividing the field of view by the magnification. It is important to learn how to use the viewfinder right from the start. Be sure to take into account the type of installation, because without this, you cannot use the device correctly. With an equatorial setting, you need to tune the polar axis exactly to the North Star. Gradually, the instrument will follow the apparent movement of the stars from east to west. The correct approach to the tripod is very relevant. Only if all feet are securely installed can the device be prevented from falling. Place the telescope on the most level surface. Be sure to take into account the recommendations for a specific model and prohibitions on the part of the manufacturer. There are other subtleties as well.

The choice of observation site is very important.... In addition to the flatness of the site, it is required to take into account light blockages. In large cities, you can improve the result if you are on a high roof. The comfort and convenience of the observer is very important. You can not disturb other people and representatives of the animal world. All parts of the telescope and their connections must be examined in advance, in daylight. The use of an eyepiece with a minimum focal length helps to simplify the search for objects at first.

Contrary to popular belief, over the course of their history, optical telescopes have not increased the magnification that much (which is often illiterately called magnification). A device with a multiplicity of 100 is considered good. And technology with a magnification of over 500 units is extremely rarely used even in world-class observatories: it only harms observations. The widespread claim that Galileo invented the telescope is not entirely correct. Yes, it was he who first in the world invented to look into the sky through an optical tube. However, the same Galilean construction, first used in 1610, fell out of use after a few years.

Then she, however, was in demand in theatrical binoculars. It is worth noting that the earliest drawings of an elementary lens telescope were created by Leonardo da Vinci. But nothing is known about the practical implementation and application of its development. The Kepler system played an important role in the evolution of the telescope.

True, it also had a serious flaw - it gave an inverted image. The mirror telescope owes its creation to the legendary Newton. It was this decision that made it possible to abandon the exorbitant increase in the length of the pipe, which was required in lens structures. In the past, early telescope designs were used by sailors and the military to detect approaching ships and to observe the battlefield. Today, models of such technology are capable of peering into the depths of the Universe for 10-13 billion light years.

The oldest records of attempts to adapt lenses for deep-space observations date back to the 13th century. However, at that time, the technological level did not yet allow such plans to be realized. There are telescopes designed exclusively for observing the Sun. Astronomers in the 21st century benefit most from telescopes launched into space: they make much more valuable observations than ground-based systems. To some extent, it is justified to call telescopes even devices that capture gravitational waves, and this very direction of astronomy is very promising.