Telescope Reviews: Seeing More

Thank you for your comments. I am glad the post was of some use to you.

In reply, first of all, you will see something the first time you look. Especially when you start with brighter objects. Saturn always seems to be impressive the first time one sees it. Looking at it over time, you will see more detail. But the first look is still impressive. Jupiter and its moons are also easy. Moon shadows on Jupiter are also easy. Saturns rings and Jupiter and its moons should be visible in any scope worth owning. I was out this week and let someone see Saturn for the first time with a 5" scope and they saw the rings and difference in color between the inner and outer rings. Depending on the scope and viewing, all of the planets and Messier objects can be seen by an inexperienced viewer. Some maybe less impressive with smaller scopes and your inexperience. But even these, know how ot find them and having seen them once will be a big help when you back to look at them sometime later on.

Anytime you have a chance to view through a more experienced users scope do it. Most experienced users will have one of the show pieces (or more) to show newcomers. You will see something new and usually learn something. If you discuss what you see, then can sometimes suggest things to look for to see more detail. The people who set up scopes at public viewings enjoy showing the views and answering questions.

The moon is also a good way to start out. It is different every night of the month. Not only will you see different details on the terminus each day, you will also be getting familiar with your new scope. The moon is bright and does not require night vision. That means you can easily see your scopes adjustments as you view. The experience you gain in using your scope will help later. When you view dsos later on, you can concentrate on viewing instead of trying to figure out how to use the scope. The moon also lets you try almost any eyepiece combination you have. There is no better way to understand the field of view and magnifcation of different eyepieces than by using them. You will also see how higher power lowers brightness. And, you will notice on different nights you can use higher power than on other nights. This will help you understand seeing. If you have a barlow and smaller eyepieces, you should be able to reach a point where more magnification does not show any more details or may even break down. All of this will help you when you are trying to see dos. You will know which eyepiece to start with if you need a brighter view to see more. The same for when you need more power, etc. You will also learn how to track at higher power with your scope. This will be a big help when you are viewing a dim object that may not be visible to the naked eye. If you lose the dimmer dso from the view, you will know how to get it back in view quickly.

A suggestion here is to also look at the edge of the moon. You will see how the sky brightness varies with different eyepieces or scope size. You may also find a combination that gives more or less contrast.

There is much to be learned to aid in seeing more. Anything you can learn now will help later. You do not need ideal conditions. The more time you spend with your scope, the more natural its operation will be. This will save time later on, giving you more viewing experience.

Sheryl, your starhopper should show more than the 70mm. If their is light pollution, the sky may be darker in the 70mm giving open clusters, etc a more pleasant look. The 8" may need collimation. It will also take longer to cool when that is a factor. Looking through both at the same object is a good way to gain experience. I still like taking out my 90mm and 8" together.

Finally, I want to point out something sometimes overlooked here. Astronomy is not a competitive sport. You do not have to see what someone else does. Nor do you have to have the same size or cost scope they do. The main thing is to enjoy yourself. I still enjoy a night with the binoculars under a dark sky. It does not matter than someone with a scope sees more (or less). Have fun. You do not have to see more to enjoy this hobby. It should be fun from the first say on. You do not have to wait until see more. Enjoy the things you can see now. They are new to you. One day if you see more detail, that will also be new to you. I cannot repeat enough. This hobby in not a competition. There is no reason to compare yourself with someone else. Well over 90% of the people in world have never seen anything through a scope. Use it one time to see the moon, and you are in a select group. Savor that. Take your time and do not miss anything at the early stage of your telescope viewing. You will never have a 2nd first view of Saturn, Jupiter, the Moon, or any dso. Cherish those first views. Perhaps even take a moment to realize what you are accomplishing and viewing. This hobby is nor a race. It is never over and you will never see every viewable dso and comet. If you are waiting for the day when you have accomplished everything and mastered it all, then you are in the wrong hobby. Everyone here started just like you. The things they saw as they started the hobby kept their interest and drew them into observing again and again. Follow their path and find pleasure in what you can see today. Anything else is a path to fustration. There will always be someone with a bigger scope who can see some detail or dim object you cannot. If this is going to take the joy from your observing, then perhaps you need to find a different hobby. However, I would hope that you like many of us here enjoy the time spent under the night sky getting to know it better and seeing more of what it has to offer.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my opinions.

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Wayne

80 mm refractor to 8" newt