Astronomy

On June 11, 2008, NASA launched the Fermi Gamma-ray telescope. This telescope is able to send detailed, real-time data of the universe back to Earth. But what is a gamma-ray telescope, and what is...

The easiest way to focus a telescope is by moving the eye piece and changing the spacing between optical elements. Find out different ways to focus a telescope, such as moving the mirrors...

When taking care of a telescope, it's important to have covers that keep dust off of the optical surfaces. Keep the eye piece of a telescope in a case with help from an astrophotographer in this...

The key in buying a telescope is aperture size and making sure that the opening of the telescope is as large as possible. Discover how the ability of a telescope to gather light results in a...

Although Newton did not invent the reflecting telescope, he was the first to build a mirror-based telescope free from major design flaws. Newton's telescope, using a concave mirror to collect...

If you want to get a homemade telescope ready for use, a Dobsonian mount is the simplest way. A Dobsonian mount consists of a flat platform that holds a rotating box. Semi-circular shapes are cut...

If you are looking for a cheap starter telescope, one of the most appropriate brands is Tasco. Even the most expensive Tasco telescopes sell for less than $300, an impressive price compared with...

Refracting and reflecting are the two main types of telescopes. Refracting telescopes use lenses to collect and focus the light from distant objects. Reflecting telescopes use mirrors to collect...

Some of the latest telescopes have an automatic tracking feature that lets you track stars. They have "night shows," like a computerized, guided tour of the constellations. The best enthusiast's...

You don't have to be a scientist to enjoy astronomy. The basics are easy to learn, and you can apply them to your own stargazing. The sun, the moon, the planets and the stars are all available...

If you are a star gazer and are fascinated with the world above you, purchasing a telescope may be just what you need. It will allow you to peer into the heavens and see objects you would never be...

Over the past 20 years, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has significantly advanced the study of astronomy. Since its initial launch in 1990, the HST has taken thousands of images of astronomical...

In this age of increasingly-powerful space telescopes, it can be easy to forget that most astronomy is still performed with the use of ground-based telescopes throughout the world. These...

Amateur astronomy is a popular hobby, and many people engaging in it want some way to record their most impressive observations. Astrophotography, defined as any photography of the heavens, is the...

Astrophotography is a skilled and amazing hobby during which enthusiasts are able to view aspects of the solar system that they would not otherwise be able to see. While astrophotography can be an...

There are many types of telescopes available for at-home use. For the beginning astronomer, it can be difficult to decide what telescope is the most appropriate choice. Knowing some of the basics...

For those that may be considering the purchase of a refractor telescope, this article with give a few basic facts about their history, design and average costs.

When preparing to buy a telescope, you should first consider the type that will best suit your needs. You also need to decide whether the telescope should be a fixed or stationary telescope or a...

Astronomy is a rich source of material for science fair projects. While the stars and planets are far away, you can ask questions and do experiments and research here on Earth. You can find many...

To glance up and see the moon and the stars at night can be relaxing and pleasurable. But to look into the night sky with curiosity and a desire to learn about the solar system requires a...

For amateur astronomers, there are few sights more beautiful in the night sky than Saturn. The planet's ring system has intrigued scientists for centuries. Galileo Galilei first observed Saturn's...

A telescope is a simple device used in astronomy. Telescopes can magnify far away objects to make it easier to see them. You can use a telescope to see the craters of the moon, Saturn's rings,...

The telescope is an object that allows the human eye to see things from a far off distance. Telescopes were thought to be invented by Hans Lippershey in 1608, and referred to as the "looker" or...

Infrared telescopes use fundamentally the same components and follow the same principles as visible light telescopes; namely, some combination of lenses and mirrors gathers and focuses radiation...

X-ray telescopes collect the X-rays that are emitted from the sun, stars, and super novas in space using a series of curved lenses and an electronic eye. This technology permits astronomers to...

Optical telescopes use a series of lenses or a curved mirror to focus visible light. Optical telescopes that only use lenses are called refracting telescopes. Optical telescopes that use a...

As their name suggests, a reflector telescope works by reflecting light to form an image. These kinds of telescopes were made in response to refracting telescopes and today they are widely used...

A reflecting telescope uses a combination of curved mirrors to concentrate light and create a magnified image. Their main advantage is that by using mirrors instead of lenses, it is simpler to...

Whether it be for amateurs or astronomers, telescopes are the principle instruments of stargazing and for long range observations. And as the technology used in telescopes has grown, so has the...

The telescope tube is the easiest part to label because it is the most obvious aspect of the instrument. The tube is that long piece that gives the telescope its identity. It is hollow and has...

In April of 1990, the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) launched into space a shuttle that carried with it the Hubble telescope. Into the 21st century, the Hubble continues to...

Neptune, the eighth planet from the Sun, is known as an ice giant. The earliest information that was known about Neptune was based on mathematical evidence. The orbit of Uranus was affected by...

Are you looking for a Christmas gift that has educational value, can look back in time and can spark a life-long love of nature? Consider a telescope!

Professional and amateur astronomers view sunspots with both optical and radio telescopes. Large sunspots can be seen even without a telescope, and historical descriptions of them occurred long...

The retina of your eye is responsible for what you can see, given the distance and size an object is away from you. When something is very small, or very far away from you so that it appears to be...

Similar in function to the human eye, telescopes work by gathering and focusing light. But, unlike the eye, which is limited by its available space and size, telescopes can be modified to take in...

Kids all over the country have an amazing experience every night looking at the sky. They see stars, planets and nebulae. Some people spend much time looking through a manual telescope to search...

The supernova explosion of 1054 that created the Crab Nebula produced a daytime star brighter than Venus. Another supernova explosion in 1572 led Tycho Brahe to become an astronomer; some believe...

Whether you're an amateur or professional astronomer, you'll need a powerful telescope to explore the cosmos. New planets, stars, moons, solar systems and phenomenon are discovered every day, and...

Kitt Peak National Observatory has the world's largest collection of optical telescopes, and also boasts nighttime telescopes, too. It is part of the National Optical Astronomy Observatory that...

Astronomy clubs are great for learning about astronomy and telescopes, and for sharing your knowledge of astronomy and the heavens. Clubs are also a wonderful way to find other people who have an...