Basic Knowledge: Reflectors/Refractors

[Pieh0]

Very informative, nice to find a youtube video that actually useful.

[truemartian]

@Pieh0 Thanks so much for the kind words! And thanks for watching!

[andschannll]

I am an apollo moon landing enthusiast (big time lol) books photos movies the lot! I'm finally going to buy my first telescope and would just like to say ty your videos have really helped:)

[truemartian]

@andschannll Thanks so much for the feedback! I absolutely love Apollo history! I was fortunate enough to be able to shake the hand of Jim Lovell and Guy Blueford some years back at the opening ceremony of the Cleveland Museum of Natural Histories new planetarium.

[truemartian]

@WwwTheArtStudioCom Its ok man. You're cool with me. :-) What have you seen with your telescope?

[truemartian]

@WwwTheArtStudioCom I'm sorry, I do not understand this message.

[TaliWithinTheDaisies]

I hope I meet you one day. :)

[bristow1985]

I am preparing to buy my first amateur telescope and I was considering the Celestron Powerseeker 127EQ or the Celestron Astromaster 130EQ. I have chosen these because I feel a reflector is the way to go for the purpose I want a telescope for but which one do you think is better?

[truemartian]

@bristow1985 I currently put my personal recommendation behind the Orion XT series dobsonian reflectors but they do not seem to be as available outside the US. I'm sure either Celestron scope will do the job. Just keep in mind, I have no experience using either scope and base that statement on Celestron's reputation in the business alone. Expect some work when setting up and polar aligning an equatorial mount.

[bristow1985]

@truemartian Thanks for the fast reply, I am finding it difficult to find orion xt's in the uk so I think it'll have to be one of these celestrons. If you don't mind I would like you to take a quick look at these two telescopes and tell me which you would reccomend as a starter. Do you have e-mail I can post the link to?

[truemartian]

@bristow1985 My email address is posted at the very end of my videos. Thanks.

[guitarplayer4real]

Aperture is king!

I actually stored my 10 inch newt for my new AT8RC astrograph though:-) Oh yes.....

[Flailwielder]

Hey. i've had a reflector telescope for a few years now, and I have found that whenever I use a high magnification eyepiece, the secondary mirror obstructs what I'm viewing. Is there a reason for this?

[truemartian]

@Flailwielder That is very odd indeed. It sounds like its out of focus. When the object has been brought into focus the secondary shadow should disappear. I've never had this sort of experience with a telescope.

[guitarplayer4real]

@Flailwielder Something else is wrong...

[MamaMia266]

I want to get a telescope for christmas but I live in the borderland of town. What I am asking is does light pollution affect telescopes badly. Oh (if this is any help) when at night I look up I can see the stars but not the ones very low at the sky, and I will be getting a refractor, what's you opinion?

[truemartian]

@MamaMia266 How badly light pollution obscures your view depends on how close the city you live. Even so a telescope can still be used to see bright objects like the moon and planets. It can even see some bright deep space objects like the Orion Nebula and a few star clusters. Refractors are ok. I have my personal preferences for a first telescope. This is covered in my other videos.

[KittyRokher]

Nice review, although I don't think you gave refractors much justice. A quality refractor will work perfectly for deep sky objects. However, good refractors cost around $700-$1500. So...

But, reflectors can be more powerful for a cheaper price.

I don't know why I'm typing this. You obviously know lol.

On a side note, do you do any astrophotograpy?

[truemartian]

@KittyRokher Considering this forum is generated towards the newb/casual observer in the hobby I tend to recommend dobs more for the ease of use and bang for the buck. I have done some astrophotography.

[skittlepower95]

@truemartian can you see that second mirror and the rods holding it in place when you look throught the eyepiece

[truemartian]

@skittlepower95 No, once an object is in focus the silhouette of the vanes and the secondary mirror disappear.

[skittlepower95]

@truemartian ok kool

[oquartoazul]

Very Good!!!!

[YOOivansterr]

What planets can I see (if any) with a 4mm, 9mm, 12.5mm, 20mm eyepieces?

I have a reflector telescope btw.

[truemartian]

@YOOivansterr The short answer is... all eight of them(planets). As to how much detail you can see depends on other factors. I typically use a high magnification on the planets. The lower the mm number(eyepiece focal length) the higher the magnification, the higher the mm number the lower the magnification. Divide the telescope's focal length by the eyepeice focal length to get magnification. It takes a bit of experimentation to find which view of an object pleases you.

[hummerume]

@truemartian After a lot of research on the net i have narrowed down to this "Sky-Watcher GreatStart 130N-EQ2 Newtonian Reflector Telescope" whats your opinion on this? what are the things that i can expect to look at with wide range of eyepieces and barlows?

Regards

[truemartian]

@hummerume I prefer to recommend dobsonian style mounts because they are simpler to use, but if you cant find one then one like this will do. I have a video concerning eyepieces. Keep in mind that the biggest limitation will be the sensitivity of your own eye. As long as you don't expect everything to "look like the pictures" a scope of this size will do the job.

[hummerume]

@truemartian Thanks for ur advice buddy...

Regards

[scitzz]

Nice videos, GREAT help to the beginner!

[0WelshBrit0]

umm, hi, im hopefully going to take physics in college next year and then hopefully astronomy in university. If i'm a young earth creationist would this affect me because i'm really interested in astronomy but i just don't believe the universe formed 6 billion years ago. Will it still be ok?

[truemartian]

@0WelshBrit0 As long as you respect others ideas you're gonna be fine. Remember to keep a cool head and an open mind.

[scitzz]

@0WelshBrit0

You are absolutely correct, the universe did not form 6 billion years ago.....

More like 14 billion :P

Good luck!

[YouSirAreNoob]

@scitzz lmao i know right

[scitzz]

@YouSirAreNoob I hope he does make it. I am pretty sure that if he works hard at it, and has at least average intelligence, the science will just kinda spring out at him, and make him say "Oh."

[YouSirAreNoob]

@scitzz haha yeah we can hope

[YouSirAreNoob]

@0WelshBrit0 No this won't be ok because If you think you are right (which you are not) then you won't like listening to people tell you how it is. If you are planning on taking physics and astronomy in post-secondary you are going to have to learn the truth to do well. (P.S the universe didn't form 6 billion years, it is at least 13 billion years

[BABOafrica]

just want to thank you for doing this stuff

[MrSAOO7]

I have celestron NexStar 4SE and it works pretty good so id assume that the 8SE will work perfect!I see jupeter and mars and this Summer i will be able to see saturn so...

[truemartian]

I'm sure both telescopes will function equally as well.

[Grayhawk33]

thanks

[Sepero1]

I dunno shit about astronomy, but this was a cool vid. thx

[dice786]

hey i am planing to buy a celestron nextmage 8se!! is it a good idea?

[truemartian]

I have no experience with Celestron so I couldnt make a recommendation. I have specific recommendations for a first telescope in another video on here.

[gaz52]

I have the 8se and yes it is good. I'm very happy with it. I've seen the moon, which looks very good, venus, jupiter and saturn, and you can see the rings on saturn.

[mohamedwalker]

hi what should i be looking for refractor or reflector telescope if i want to see nebulas. is there a minimum focal lenght you can advise me . what about if i what to take pictures with my camera+t mount...i am not looking for something too professional... is there a particular telescope you can recomend me that is a good start and that offers me lots of objects to discover and photograph. thanks in advance and excuse my english i speak french ;)

[truemartian]

If you want to see nebulas a larger aperture wins hands down. It then becomes a question as to how much money you want to spend on aperture. Dobs give the best aperture for the buck. I recommend a minimum of 4 inches aperture in a reflector. Generally speaking reflectors are better at deep space objects like nebula.

[truemartian]

Good deep space imaging techniques do not come cheap. You need a minimum 80-90mm aperture and a quality equatorial mount. For long exposure deep space imaging a second tracking telescope is required. The second scope is used to make corrections to drift errors in the tracking drive. Most amateurs I know use either 80-90mm refractors or Schmitt-Cass type scope to do imaging. It can be an involved process. I highly recommend talking to online astronomy forums and local amateurs who do this.

[monte6714]

I have 1 question....what would the moon look better through..the Meade ETX 125 or

the Orion Dobsonian XT8?

Thanx!

[truemartian]

I've never looked through an ETX 125 so I couldnt say. Nor have I looked through an XT8. However I do have a 6 inch refractor and an older model Meade 10 inch dob. The refractor makes things look crisper and is always my preference for Saturn but the 10 inch resolves more detail.

[AaronFarquhar]

Thanks mate, This has been very helpful, Ill now go to your next video and watch that one, Thanks for these vids, Aaron

[rayunseitig]

Nice. I wonder if a microphone on a stick or one that goes on your clothes would kick up the sound a bit. I think you said that the reflector type was less expensive. That is the one with the mirrors. ?

[919664]

yes that is the one with the mirror .the refractor (the one without mirrors) refracts the image and the reflector (the one with mirrors) reflects the image it is siple isnt it ?

[rayunseitig]

Thanks 919664, this looks like a great hobby, very educational too. I found an old telescope in the trash, It has a mirror and another missing mirror by the eyepiece. I figure I'll glue a new small mirror there and try it out.

[hairytroosers]

thanks very informative

[mistermuffin420]

star gazers lounge is a very, very good web site for beginners. you can ask them anything

[kevdav7]

HI I am looking to buy a new telescope for observing and also taking some photoes and I have these two telescopes in mind "Sky-Watcher 200N EQ-5 Pro Manual Telescope" and "Orion SkyView Pro 8 Equatorial Reflector Telescope " and I was woundring which one would you recomened. thanks

[truemartian]

Have you had any experience with a telescope? Do you know the constellations?

[kevdav7]

I have used a small telescope from a department stor, just like you recomended I got my self a planisphere and a 10x50binocular and have been studing the sky and costelations every day sine. and I am looking forward the get a better telescope.

[truemartian]

I wont tell you that the two scopes you recommend are not good scopes. Nor will I say you shouldnt get either one of them. They probably make fine scopes. Their complexity however makes them a little advanced. I typically recommend dobs for beginners because of their portability and ease of use.

[truemartian]

If you are thinking of astrophotography I recommend waiting a bit to do a little research on the topic before diving in. It is a complex subject and if you plan on doing it right there are telescopes that are better for it in design and quality than Newtonians. To my knowledge Newtonians are not typicaly used by most astrophotographers for imaging. This is not to say they cant be. Evrythng must be consdered from telescope type and mount to imaging system. Very long exposures require two scopes.

[licha1r]

He talks like Napoleon Dynamite's brother!!!

[maricelarubioxox]

i'll check out that video right now:) thanks again!

[maricelarubioxox]

hi i just bought a telescope that is ASTROMASTER 114EQ NEWTONIAN...i have no idea why i cant see anything in here only during the day...i cant see anything in the dark..do you know why....i'm very new to all this:(...thanks

[truemartian]

Start learning the constellations right away. Watch my video on finderscope alignment. Use lowest magnification eyepiece first (highest mm number). Start with the moon first. Its large and hard to miss. Make sure you are focusing all the way in and out until you see what you are looking for in the eyepiece. Continue to learn the constellations. Get back at me if nothing works.

[maricelarubioxox]

thanks for the advise..i will do that tonight...but sorry but i'm very new to this i have always heard the word constellation..what does it mean?..yeah sorry...is it the way the allignment of the stars is and the planets? thanks for your support i really apreciate it:) happy new year!

[truemartian]

The constellations are the 88 patterns of stars that form "pictures" from ancient myth and legend. Some in the southern sky are more modern depictions. The patterns of stars in constellations are your road map to deep space. Learning to recongnise them will help you go a long way in finding objects in the sky.

[urokyon]

i recently got an 8 inch dob as my first telescope and i would highly recomend them for other beginners :)

[truemartian]

I am assuming here but I generally recommend dob designs to beginners. Simply because they avoid the confusion of EQ mounts. This dosent mean the scope you have chosen wont do the job. I will say that 150mm is a good size for a small scope. I will caution you about buying used. Be aware of the condition the previous owner has kept the instrument in. How was it cared for? Dust caps always on? etc. Eyepiece conditions? (Dirty eyepieces can always be replaced if they are standard size.)

[lazysteve666]

cheers, thanks alot for the advice!

[lazysteve666]

I'm considering buying a TS Optics Megastar 1550 for around £130 off ebay, it has a aperature of 150mm and a focal length of 1400mm, do you suggest i purchase it or can you recomend anything better?

[axoll]

does anyone know why I see objects thru my telescope flipped. like the word "telescope" would read "epocselet".

[truemartian]

Write the word "Telescope" on a sheet of paper and hold it up to your bathroom mirror. Try reading what you wrote in the mirror.

[axoll]

so what youre saying is that it is normal to see objects flipped, and there is nothing I can do about that?

[truemartian]

Pretty much. There are telescopes made for terrestrial viewing but for astronomical it really dosent matter. In space there is no up and down.

[Pingletons]

Yep, if you have a refractor, you can get special diagonals in order make the image right, but in space, there is no such thing as a flipped or upside down. If you have a reflector though, there is really nothing you can do.

[tompa666]

my telescope has a power of 800 x

[fredo1070]

God, Ed Norton's career has gone down hill.

American History ETX.

[wavyv]

Im looking to get a telescope this christmas and i dont reallt have a clue on which one to get.. i think itl be a reflector though..

what price would get me a decent telescope ?

[truemartian]

I would recommend a 6 inch dobsonian. Where are you from?

[alltruth969]

I have a 675x power Reflector telescope made by Science Tech, and last night I was aimed at our moon. I was getting a pretty good image of it, but I notice that the smallest movement of the telescope would throw off the image, however my question is how difficult would it be for me to find a planet or a star that I can line it up so i can get an image? Ive tryed numerus times before and still have not found anything, its just a black image.

[truemartian]

The moon is pretty easy to get an image of. Its the fainter objects that require much more exposure time. This is why you get a black image. It takes a serious investment to get the right equipment to do astrophotography. You need a sturdy motorized equatorial mount to be able to do decent astrophotography.

[alltruth969]

I understand what you mean, its just that this is my first telescope and I want to try to get the best images of planets, and stars that i can possibly get with what I have now. I Know that I'am an Amateur but what do you mean by exposure time? Like keep the image on the mirror as still as possible?

[truemartian]

To make an image of a dim object like a star you have to open the camra shuter for a longer period of time than say for something like the moon. For exampl to get a good moon shot the camra shuter has to be open exposing the chip or film only 1/1000 of a sec. To image a bright star it requirs a minimum of 2-10 secs. So for that 2-10 secs you need to be able to hold the telescope precisely stil relativ to the star you are imagng. Which means you need a trackng mount to compnsate for earths spin.

[alltruth969]

by the way this isn't for photography its just for imaging with my own eye, so do I still need to allow enough exposure time and stillness?

[truemartian]

Imaging and visual observation are two different things. Exposure time is only for taking pictures, what we now call imaging in the electronic age. If you are having problems visually observing an object check to make sure your finder scope is aligned properly. I have a video on how to do that.

[alltruth969]

yes I do belive my finder scope is aligned, that was one of the first things I did was take it back to where I bought it from and they showed me that my "aimer" was right smack dab in the center of the mirror and was also in the center of my finder scope. So everything was aligned properly, and according to the telescope manual it should be working fine, because everything about correct alignment in the manual was exactly how my telescope looks. So not sure why I would'nt be getting an image?

[truemartian]

If your finderscope is aligned properly then what you see in the crosshairs should appear dead center of the lowest power eyepiece. Practice pointing it at bright stars and the moon.

[alltruth969]

yeah I will try it tonight for sure. For a first time telescope do you think that I should have got a refractor rather then a reflector? I herd that the refracter is a little more simple to use.

[alltruth969]

oh ok, Thank you so much for the tips, this will help me out alot. I guess I wasn't patience enough. I will try it out now and see what happens. Thanks again :)

[alltruth969]

Hey there truemartian

It's me agian, I got my self an Orion 60mm refractor and I'm hopeing to have better luck with this one rather then my 900mm reflector. I still kept my reflector, but I'm thinking of joining an Astronomy group in my spare time. I'm hoping they will give me information and knowledge on using my reflector, however I really want to thank you alot for all your advice and hopefuly I can be as good as you some day. :)

[somebo222]

I've a reflector scope. Should I remove the cap that protects the main mirror? In lins scopes it is open.

[truemartian]

Keep the cap on to protect the mirror from dust when not in use.

[somebo222]

Okay. There is two protective caps in both ends. The one that is in front is easy to remove, just have to pull it, but it has also about 4 centimeter diameter hole and a cap on it. Does it get all the light that is necessary through that smaller hole? Or should I just remove the whole big cap for better experience. Gotta test. In back there is a cap with screws. Should it be in place when I use the scope? I've tested my scope once and I was disappointed what I saw. It's D130/F600 Sky-Watcher.

[truemartian]

When in use take all of the caps off the opening of the tube. There is no cap in the "back" of a reflector, only collimation screws that hold the mirror in place, which at this time I wouldnt touch. Do you have a link with a photo of your scope that you can send?

[skyspy2008]

Thanks, I think I saw the rings of Saturn Once,what ever it was it seemed like peices of rock

[hotzauce7]

My uncle used to always buy me telescopes every christmas,when I was a kid. I regret not using them. astronomy is very intresting. I studied astrology though for many years now.

[skyspy2008]

Hi can I ask, I got a celestron 76 eq and I looked at the moon with it, and it was a good view. I was wondering if I can see the planets, like Jupiter or Mars?.

[KosmynC64]

with no problems

[truemartian]

Yes all telescopes will show you the planets with some degree of resolution. Jupiter is currently visible in the evening at the time of this message past.(UT20080823)

[truemartian]

Wow..! lol Well sounds like you have similar weather to us here in Ohio, USA. It depends on how much you enjoy star gazing I suppose. I'm going to leave that answer up to you!

[edukazzz]

hi i wana know should i buy (Telescopes) is 6 out if 7 days ...are cloudy .....and its in norther ireland.....

[truemartian]

Im assuming you are asking about a 2x barlow. I wouldnt bother with a barlow. I rarely use one. You might add a 3-5mm eyepiece instead. I would also keep the 130. Bigger is always better.

[Dubai1976]

I just bought Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ Telescope APERTURE 130mm, FL 650mm, FR=5 and it comes with 10mm lens and 20mm lens. first do i need Celestron Ultima 1.25 in 2x to get closer images, second i just bought this one and i can exchange it with Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ 1000mm APERTURE 114mm FR 8.77 or keep the 130EQ?

[fracturedfist]

thats not the kind of telescope were talking about

[Noobtron3000]

what telescopes do you recomend i buy? I have about 400-450$ I know nothing about telescopes but a lot about space. Iv been veiwing with my eyes for over a year, i want a telescope!!

[truemartian]

I have a video that should answer that question for you. It presents my personal recommendation.

[rialbb]

I need some help from anybody.

I have a 1000mm f/9 114 mm refractor.

I just bought a bunch of new lenses up to 3.6mm from 32 mm. I cant get anything what the description of the scope says all i see is pin point stars.  I havent seen any planets yet but I've seen some good ones of the moon. I dont know what to expect or how to get decent images of globular clusters or nebulae. I figured out that a 5mm EP will be the biggest I can use. I know power is overrated but mine is only up to 200x.

[kwgmaxamillion]

Thanks for these video`s buddy :)

[boutbusiness24]

THANKS ALOT BRO!!!! all the videos r really HELPFUL!! thanks again

[markittoo]

Hi! im from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I watched all of your videos... you ara amazing man!

My question may be dumb for you... but i'm a little bit worried about it.. a couple of years ago i purchased a Hokenn H70900 EQ1 and the only 2 things i could watch in the sky are the moon and Saturn ( very small this one, the rings just can be seen). My question is: Why i cant see any galaxy or any other object in deeper sky and why Saturn looks so small in my telescope?

THANKS!! and greetings!

[truemartian]

How you percieve an object through the telescope depends on your equipment and the observing conditions. If you are observing in a light polluted city with a small telescope you probably wont see much other than bright planets and the moon. Smaller telescopes are limited in how much they resolve as well so using a higher power eyepiece really dosent do any good. To increase your observing potential you may need to find a darker sky. Most importantly its important to study the constellations.

[jackvsdavy]

i'm looking for lyra because soon its the annual lyrids meteor shower in april 19th please help

[truemartian]

A planisphere can help you find this constellation. Lyra is currently rising on the early morning eastern horizon around 1am.

[jackvsdavy]

i live in the uk will it still appear in the eastern part of the sky or diffrent and what time will the lyrids star what time

[truemartian]

All the stars move from east 2 west, revolving about the celestial poles throughout the night in what we call Right Ascension. At the time of this mesage, Lyra appears in the east about 1am and continues to rise throughout the night. As the months come and go it will rise 4 minutes earlier day by day until it becomes an evening constelation in late sumer. I am not sure what time the Lyrids will be. You will have to consult an astronmy resource site for meteor showrs. I Recommend a planisphere.

[bstep13]

yes i started out with a Bushnell Refractor Telescope!!! It was great for Planets and the Moon. Great Scope!!!

[gaz52]

You should make another video like this and talk about Schmidt Cassegrains.

[covaloch]

You look like edward norton a little.

lol. Man I want to get into this, but i don't know where to start. Any reccomendations on any books for amateur skygazing?

[truemartian]

Forget the books! Go get yourself a planisphere and get out under the sky! Looking up at the same exact time every night is the best way to begin. Remember what you see each night and even draw on paper the star patterns you see. Try to match the star patterns you observe to the planisphere map. If you have a pair of binoculars use them. Look at ANYthing and EVERYthing up there. Its as simple as that!

[mallamoozoo]

I'd recommend getting the interactive program Starry Night - its absolutely awesome - you'll get a feel for things 100 times faster than going out every night and just watching - you can simulate 1 year change over 1 minute to see how it changes -you can zoom in and out much more than any telescope and the images are better than real life. It's an unreal program -well worth the $100 or whatever it is - you might even be able to find it at a library.

[semiskimmed1]

Haha, it is like over £1000 gbp, a bresser messier 6" refractor is around 500-600 i might try one of them :P

[semiskimmed1]

Hi! do you want to give me your Meade 6" refractor telescope? =]

[truemartian]

LOL NO!!!! Get your own :P

[EdZep123]

Good info but you should really deflect people from buying terrible cheap refractors from department stores when there are so many good cheap reflectors these days!

[truemartian]

See my personal recommendation in my video entitled "What kind of telescope should I buy?"

[flying45rabbit]

thanks for posting these videos. You a great help.

[forkv]

At the end I believe he meant to say "Reflectors are often the choice of amateur astronomers...", not refractors ;)

[MyAstroSpaceDotCom]

good clips mate, i'm embedding these onto my site.

[tramontan]

it is clear. thank you sir!

[tramontan]

good afternoon! I live in georgia (country)... I like astronomy but there are no telescopes for sale in Georgia, so I would like to know how can I buy it aboard.

Thanks in advance,

With best regards,

Giorgi Koberidze

[truemartian]

Giorgi it sounds like you will have to import your telescope. That can be expensive. Look for a source online and check to see if they ship to your country. You may find a source close to you somewhere in Europe.

[fnherstalpatriot]

You can build your own telescope for a half the cost. Google 'build your own telescope'. Also, there are videos on youtube as well.

[hek80]

hi, can you post a video on how to

use the setting circle on a eq mount to loacate celestial objects ?

thanks.

[Ufovideos2007]

One other thing... I have a Sony Handycam video camera I should be able to position it under the Eye peice ? on the video camera tripod in line with the Telescope tripod and in view and record Will that work ok ?

[truemartian]

Its extremely difficult but not impossible. You will probably be able to capture the moon like that. Many people hold their cameras up to the eyepiece and easily snap pictures of the moon.

[ZsSuperCumulo]

dude, I bought a telescope : Celestron PowerSeeker 80 EQ, and I've been trying to use it for 2 days in cloudy nights, and I wonder if I will be able to see anything , now I live in a town and there are alot of lights around my hose + cables and it's hard to find a quite and paceful place around my house :(

[truemartian]

The weather makes you learn patience sometimes. ;-)

[Ufovideos2007]

thanks again dude

[Ufovideos2007]

What telescope would you recommend Thats good for seeing Deep into space *Andromeda galaxy* and peering into all the stars ?

[truemartian]

Under dark enough skies even a small 4.5 inch reflector will show you such things. Just dont expect them to look like the pictures.

[jeremieanyi]

Thanksss!!

Muchas gracias!!!

[truemartian]

De nada ;-)

[Arlekean]

A giant thank you for this info. It was truly useful =)

[jebridgens]

I loved your videos. Thinking about purchasing a telescope-very informative. Question: I wear glasses to see distance, how does wearing glasses effect looking through a telescope eyepiece?

Thanks

[truemartian]

Unless you have really bad asstigmatism you should be able to compensate near or far sightedness simply by focusing the telescope.

[maha77]

THANK YOU for posting this information. I have begun looking into purchasing a telescope and this information is a great resource. MUCH APPRECIATED!

[clairej884444]

Thank-you for posting this...most informative!

[truemartian]

Thanks for watching!

[Loper956]

glad to see this on youtube, keep posting videos!

i'm savin to get a 10" or 12" Dobsonian this coming summer. i used to live in Hilo, Hawaii and worked a little bit with the Subaru Telescope's team in learning and speaking English at their ground HQ. it was awesome seeing behind the scenes of such an important telescope. seeing it in person at the top of Mauna Kea was crazy! i took an Astronomy class at University of Hawaii there in Hilo too, and aced all the tests and math, loved it!

[truemartian]

Wow! What an experience! Thanks for watching!

[engeladam409]

is the aperture in reflector based on how big the tube is or what?

[truemartian]

To my knowledge its something like that. For telescopes its called aperture stop and usually the diameter of the primary lens or opening of the tube in a reflector.

[jer1ch02006]

Getting into Telescope buying territory and finding your videos essential viewing.

Looking forward to many more of these. Keep up the good work.

[truemartian]

Thanks much!

[JaalaJ]

I love these videos, truemartian. I have always had trouble with my finderscope, I can never seem to properly align it with the main tube and is never accurate. Is there a rule of thumb for doing this properly? Sometimes adjusting can take forever. Or could there be a slight manufacturing defect that has made it so difficult?

[truemartian]

Jaala, Alignment can be a b**ch! I plan to cover your problem as I continue with my series on amateur astronomy. Stay tuned! And thanks for watching.

[JaalaJ]

That'd be good. Thanks!

:)

[mixael2006]

very informative!! Thanks