How to Select a Portable Astronomy Telescope

A telescope is a link to the heavens, and depending on how much of an enthusiast you are, you're going to want to have it with you when you travel. The problem is, some telescopes are simply not portable, making it difficult to transport to new locations for stargazing. Fortunately there are a number of portable telescopes to select from.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Astronomy software (optional)
• Portable telescope

1. Expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a decent portable telescope. Less expensive telescopes are limited in their functionality, but are often the easiest to transport because of their diminutive size.

2. Select a portable telescope that is compatible with astronomy software. They are often more expensive since they self-calibrate depending on your location, but you can connect a telescope to a laptop computer and use it in the field.

3. Select a portable telescope that is modular and can accommodate additional components like a camera attachment. This makes it possible to take pictures of the night sky while you travel. This is particularly nice when crossing from the northern to the southern hemisphere since the star map is completely different.

4. Spend a little more money and select a portable telescope that offers a lens/aperture of at least 70mm. At this size, more distant objects are easier to see in detail, while smaller apertures provide only limited visibility in regards to overall detail.

5. Purchase a case for the portable astronomy telescope. Some dedicated portable telescopes include a travel case, while others do not. Cases are not very expensive, but will serve to protect your investment.

6. Choose a portable telescope that is perfect for the whole family. Some telescopes are designed specifically for children and are easy to use and calibrate on the fly.

7. Save money and buy astronomy binoculars instead of a telescope when you're on a tight budget. Binoculars offer impressive magnification for a fraction of the cost of a good portable telescope.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to replace the lens cap whenever you're not using your portable telescope. The mirrors and lenses are incredibly sensitive, and sometimes all it takes is a little dust to scratch the surfaces.
• Don't use a telescope to look at the sun. The combination of the sun's rays and the telescopes focus will severely damage your eyes and eventually blind you.