How to Use a Telescope

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Telescopes capture light and allow for spectacular observing experiences.The emotion aroused by the sight of distant galaxies, brilliant star clusters, unique nebulae, planets of the solar system and lunar features is simply indescribable.
Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Get a telescope

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  1. Step 1 Considera il tipo di telescopio.
    Each model is best suited to a different type of observations.There are three basic types of telescopes:the refractors, i spotlight and i catadioptrics.The choice is determined by what you want to observe, your location, and so on.
    • The refractor telescope is essentially a long thin tube with an objective lens at the front that captures and concentrates the light.This model is suitable for observing the moon, planets and offers a nice clear image.It is easy to transport and does not require special maintenance.Unfortunately, it is not easy to see tenuous bodies such as galaxies and nebulae.
    • The reflecting telescope (also called Newtonian) uses a large concave mirror, instead of lenses, to accumulate and concentrate the light.This is the model most suitable for beginners, it offers good visibility, even if humidity tends to condense on the optics, creating quite a nuisance.With a mirror telescope you cannot make terrestrial observations.
    • The catadioptric telescope is a composite model, a combination of mirrors and lenses.It is great for astrophotography and is much easier to carry than the reflector type.These are more versatile telescopes, although much more expensive than other models.
  2. Step 2 Valuta la regione in cui vivi.
    You will need an instrument with different power based on where you make your observations.You need to consider whether you will use the telescope in an area with a lot or little light pollution, where it rains a lot or a little, and so on.
    • If you also want to (for example) observe birds with your instrument, then you should not purchase a reflector, since it does not allow you to see terrestrial objects.
    • If there is a lot of dew in your area and you plan to use the telescope at night, you can think about a refractor or catadioptric.
  3. Step 3 Tieni in considerazione cosa andrai a vedere.
    Celestial bodies such as planets, the moon and nearby stars must be observed with a powerful instrument, with good contrast and high resolution.So, if you are interested in this type of astronomical objects, you should aim for a refracting or reflecting telescope.However, if you want to observe galaxies and nebulae, you need an instrument with a large aperture, so choose a mirror telescope with a large diameter.
  4. Step 4 Valuta la capacità del telescopio.
    People mistakenly believe that an instrument with a high magnification automatically guarantees better resolution and more defined images, but this is not exactly the case.The higher the magnification, the more the brilliance of the images is diluted and any blurriness is amplified.
    • For each model the maximum magnification is 50x for every 25 mm diameter of the opening.This means that if you have a reflecting telescope with an aperture diameter of 150 mm, then the magnification is 300x (for a model with a 75 mm aperture you would have a magnifying power of 150x).
    • Even if you rely on Barlow lenses, too much magnification only leads to a blurry image.The image that a telescope offers can only be magnified up to a certain point.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Getting to know the Telescope

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  1. Step 1 Impara a usare il cercatore.
    This element is usually located on the side of the telescope and offers a greater field of view of the sky than the telescope itself.For example, a 5x magnification telescope covers an area the size of your pinky nail, while an 8x scope gives you a field of view the size of a golf ball.
  2. Step 2 Prendi familiarità con la montatura.
    Two types of telescope mounts are usually used:equatorial and altazimuth.You need to know which one your telescope has in order to use it properly.
    • Altazimuth mounts can move the telescope tube vertically and horizontally, making it easier for beginners to operate as it is easier than an equatorial model.
    • Equatorial mounts allow you to point the telescope towards the four celestial cardinal points.The polar axis (which is the rotating element near the base of the telescope) must be aligned with the Pole star.Subsequently you will be able to follow the movement of the firmament from this point, from east to west (according to the apparent movement of the stars).
    • Getting used to the equatorial mount takes some practice;every time you want to look at a different star or planet, you have to unlock the axis and point the telescope towards the celestial body using the finderscope, finally you have to lock it again when you have reached the right point.Next, you can use the slow twist cables or control knob to make fine adjustments.The equatorial mount is considered more useful.
  3. Step 3 Impara a usare il treppiede.
    You must be sure that the three supports are well balanced, otherwise the telescope can fall and be damaged.When choosing where to observe the sky, consider the need for a flat, level area to place the telescope.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Observe the sky

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  1. Step 1 Studia il cielo.
    Before you walk around at night with your expensive telescope under your arm, you need to understand what you're looking for.Maybe you want to take a look at the moon or the planets.Maybe you're interested in a meteor shower.You need to know when and where to look and consider the weather forecast.
    • If you want to look at the stars, for example, you don't want to go out on a full moon night.
    • Read texts about stars and constellations.These will inform you about the best times for observing, where and when it is easiest to see the planets.
    • Study star maps so when you are in front of the firmament you will know where to point the telescope.
    • Exercise your eye.To do this, make sketches of the moon and planets.You don't have to be a great artist to outline them very accurately.This exercise will be very useful for observing the sky more closely and noticing details.
  2. Step 2 Scegli un punto da cui guardare il cielo.
    You have to be very careful in this operation, which must take into account what you are looking for and where it should be placed in the sky.You also need to find an accessible place at night with a safe, flat area to place the telescope tripod.
    • Don't forget about light pollution.If you live in a big city, for example, go to the roof (if it's a safe place) to find some shelter from ambient light and get clearer images.
    • Try to avoid bridges, concrete and bitumen driveways.Other people's footsteps cause vibrations that affect image quality.
  3. Step 3 Allenati.
    You need to do some practice to learn how to mount, set up and aim the instrument correctly before you start observing the firmament.Otherwise, it won't be that difficult to lose small pieces of the telescope or forget how to perform some operations.
    • To practice setting up your telescope, use the eyepiece at the lowest magnification and point the instrument at an object about 30 m away (for example, a tree but not the sun!).Center the object with the finderscope to make sure the image is clear.Now switch to a higher magnification eyepiece and try again.
  4. Step 4 Cerca di stare comodo.
    Make sure you dress appropriately to spend a beautiful night in the company of the stars.If it will be cold, remember to wear warm clothes and bring a hot drink.
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Advice

  • The eyepiece determines the magnification of a telescope.A selection of a few eyepieces allows you to make detailed and extraordinary observations.To start, use a low magnification (the one with the longest focal length, such as 25mm) so it will be easier to spot stellar objects.
  • Get familiar with your telescope's settings and functions during the day, in the comfort of your own home.Also, while there is still light, make sure the finder scope is pointed in the same direction as the main tube.Use a distant object, such as the tip of a telephone pole, to check for proper alignment.Adjust the finder scope correctly, as it is a vital tool for finding celestial bodies.After dark it gets cold and not at all the right time to be fiddling with the instruction manual.
  • Personal safety must be your first concern.Remember to ask permission from the owner of the land to avoid incurring the crime of violation of private property.Also be mindful of wildlife and take every precaution to avoid disturbing it.
  • Dress wisely.It gets cold at night, even right after sunset.Dress in layers according to the season to make your viewing session as comfortable as possible.
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Warnings

  • Never point the telescope at the sun.Even if you have a solar filter, the dark glass can break and you will irreversibly ruin your vision.
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Things you will need

  • Star map to help you locate celestial bodies
  • Telescope and related accessories
  • Something to eat and hot drinks to resist the cold of the night
  • Warm clothes (if it's cold)
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