Telescopes

Refracting telescopes are the earliest versions of optical telescopes and work like magnifying glasses. They consist of an objective lens at one end of a tube that gathers a wide range of light from…

Telescoping drapery rods contain rods of a different diameter that fit into each other and slide inward or outward to adjust for length. The further apart you pull the rods, the weaker the rod becomes…

A bit of pre-planning will go a long way toward enjoying an evening under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just like to look at the stars to relax, having a properly calibrated…

Reflecting telescopes are the most commonly used kind of telescopes in astronomy today. Although they are not as old as refracting telescopes, they are less than 100 years younger and provide clearer…

If you have an interest in astronomy, you may need a telescope, a tool that enables you to look into the heavens and observe the stars. A telescope will help you see the heavenly bodies at closer…

The process of hauling a telescopic forklift in Minnesota must abide by rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is true in any state. The FMSCA has special…

Telescopes offer a way to look at such objects as planets and stars. One of the most important aspects of a telescope is its mount. An unstable mount causes the image to shake, making detailed…

If you child has shown an interest in astronomy, you likely did not go out and purchase the most expensive telescope you could find. A Konus Junior Telescope is a great beginner telescope for the…

Meade Instruments Corporation was founded in 1972 and has grown to become a worldwide manufacturer of telescopes and telescope accessories. Its telescopes include designs such as Schmidt-Cassegrain,…

A homemade truss telescope will provide you with an opportunity to view a wide range of celestial sights including the distinct craters of the moon, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter and its moons of…

Telescoping flagpoles are operated by pushing a button to raise and lower the flag. No ropes or pulleys are needed. They are also lightweight and collapse down to a manageable size, making them easy…

A telescoping downdraft vent is an alternative to range hood installation over a cook-top. Counter cook-top stoves, such as gas sealed burners and electric smooth-tops, have telescoping vent hoods…

The Chandra Telescope at Harvard University is a high-tech telescope developed by NASA as part of its Great Observatories program. It was named for the Nobel prize-winning physicist Subrahmanyan…

Many industries use standard forklifts for moving heavy items, such as pallets, around a warehouse setting. However, businesses working in constantly rough terrains, like mining applications, require…

Warehouses and shipping depots use forklifts to move heavy loads. When the load needs to be moved into a position higher that the forklift can reach, the operator utilizes a telescoping boom. This…

Telescopic boom cranes, also sometimes called "hydraulic cranes," are designed to provide extended reach on a mobile platform. The extending section of the crane, called the "boom," comprises several…

Troubleshoot your digital camera if it's experiencing problems to fix issues that don't require professional repair. Make sure nothing you have done or forgotten to do prevents the camera from working…

The Bushnell Voyager 565 x 60 telescope offers first-rate optical quality and mechanical construction to get a clear view of faraway objects in the sky. This is a refracting lens telescope (where one…

Optical telescopes are devices that can view distant objects by magnifying them. Light coming in the end of the telescope is gathered and intensified, using several lenses that project the image into…

The SCT, or Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope, was conceptualized in 1940. Inside an SCT telescope, the optics are arranged to maximize light collection while keeping size at a minimum. A spherical mirror…

The last lens-based, refracting telescope used for research astronomy was built before 1900 --- because large lenses become extremely heavy and suffer from a problem called chromatic aberration, which…

For more than 50 years, contractors have been using Sonotubes to easily create concrete forms to support buildings. Sonotubes are heavy-duty cardboard tubes sturdy enough to hold concrete and light…

A home-built telescope can show the rings of Saturn and reveal the colors of the stars, and when those visions come through a telescope that you have built yourself, the experience is that much…

Telescopes have been responsible for some of the most important discoveries in human history. From Galileo's discovery that the unchanging heavens were anything but, to the Hubble Space Telescope's…

Refractive telescopes, or refractors, were the first type of telescopes invented. It was a refractive telescope that Galileo first turned on the heavens. Refractive telescopes are built from lenses: a…

Not long after Galileo was the first to build a telescope capable of imaging the heavens, his compatriot Niccoló Zucchi invented the reflecting telescope. A few decades later, James Gregory and…

Galileo was the first person to build a telescope powerful and accurate enough to bring insight into the heavens. He discovered a world of marvels, where points of light became such things as a planet…

Telescopes spark the imagination. They bring distant worlds near, allowing us to watch birds without disturbing them and see other planets without needing a spacesuit. There are dozens of types of…

Telescopes bring the far near. Whether on the hunting grounds, on the open seas, or in the astronomical observatory, the same basic optical principles apply to all telescopes. Telescopes using only…

John Keely was an eccentric, but ambitious inventor and entrepreneur who seized the world's attention for a few brief moments in the late 19th century. Keely claimed to have invented an entirely new…

The O2 Xda Orbit 2 is a touchscreen mobile phone released in early 2008. The Orbit 2 runs using GSM technology, so a SIM card is required in order for the phone to function properly. Available in…

Although the body of a camera holds the film or digital sensor, few images are possible without a lens. Today's lenses can be a simple curved piece of glass or a complex mechanism with many separate…

Tent poles are designed to "telescope" into each other via formed metal tips and crimped sleeves. If you have a series of tent rod blanks and want to make a telescoping pole for a tent or other…

The objective lens on a refractor telescope is found at one end of a long optical tube, while the opposite end holds the magnifying eyepiece called an ocular. A 50-millimeter objective lens captures…

The large focusing lens found on an old 3M overhead projector can serve as the primary objective lens for a homemade telescope. By using PVC tubes to build the telescope body and ocular support, you…

The Orbit and Orbit 2 are personal digital assistant (PDA) devices manufactured by High Tech Computer (HTC). The Orbit is the original version, the Orbit 2 is the updated version

The Hubble Space Telescope is a large optical telescope launched into Earth orbit by the space shuttle Discovery in April 1990. By escaping the optical distortion caused by the atmosphere of the…

According to the sixth edition of "The Columbia Encyclopedia," a theodolite is a tripod-mounted telescope with a spirit level used to determine relative location in surveying, meteorological or…

A telescope is a precision instrument and a big investment, so careful dismantling is essential to prevent damage before you move or maintain it. Celestron telescopes are rated highly by amateur…

During the 20 years of Hubble's operation, the Hubble telescope has made many exciting discoveries. It allows astronomers to see deep space and gives them a new perspective of the universe.

Magnifying instruments, or optical instruments, come in all shapes and sizes. A few types of magnifying instruments are microscopes, telescopes, magnifying glasses and even eyeglasses. However, all…

The advent of zoom lenses provided filmmakers and photographers alike with a cost saving method of producing differently composed shots. Your zoom lens is a versatile piece of equipment with…

You may be wondering why anyone would even want to attach an SLR camera to a telescope, given that the two are fundamentally different kinds of optical instruments. But if you are a birder, you might…

The Hubble Telescope is one of the most important innovations in space technology. It allows us to see stars and galaxies across the universe that normally would not be accessible. Hubble has…

Telescopic zoom lenses allow a photographer to carry a single lens with a variable magnification range, designed to save time by cutting down on lens changes and provide the user with a way to capture…

Magnification has allowed us to better understand the world by enabling us to study that which we have difficulty seeing. There are several factors that determine the amount of magnification that a…

The Hubble telescope is one of the greatest scientific achievements of our time. It has allowed scientists to peer into the farthest regions of the universe, and the crystal-clear images returned to…

Sound waves behave a lot like light waves, so some of the same principles that are used to focus or amplify light can be used to amplify sounds. A simple lens can be used to focus sunlight to a tiny…

Goniometer is an instrument that measures angles and allows for objects to be rotated to a particular angular position. In 1669, Niels Stensen identified a very important characteristic of crystals…

A theodolite is a tool for measuring vertical and horizontal angles. It is used in triangulation networks. It looks like a small telescope and is used everywhere from construction sites to highway…

A Dobsonian telescope is a Newtonian reflector type of telescope and is made up of an alt-azimuth mount and Sonotube. A Dobsonian telescope is a low-cost telescope that is designed to view deep sky…

Purchase a planisphere or star chart with a telescope to be able to locate planets and stars in the night sky.Find the stars in the sky with telescope tips in this free video on home astronomy from a…

Portable planetariums help astronomers figure out where to point their telescopes in the night sky. Discover the night sky with the astronomy accessories in this free video on home astronomy from a…

Accessories to protect telescopes and make them easier to use are good investments. Buy useful accessories for telescopes with the shopping tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope…

Use the Internet or local library to research astronomy. Find out where to learn more about outfitting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

When buying a telescope, be wary of inflated magnification claims and wobbly tripods. Shop wisely for telescopes with the buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

When choosing a telescope eyepiece, remember that more space between the eye and the lens allows for more adjustment possibilities. Compare different styles of eyepieces for telescopes with the…

Excellent quality telescopes can be purchased for less than $500. Save money when shopping for telescopes with the buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

In spite of all of those childhood warnings, telescopes can be used to look at the sun with the proper filters. Find out how to buy telescope accessories in this free video on home astronomy from a…

Barlow eyepieces for telescopes are sold in different magnification factors. Find out about a Barlow eyepiece for a telescope in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

More expensive telescope mounts have smoother adjustment controls. Compare mounts for telescopes with buying tips in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

Dobsonian telescope mounts are commonly used for reflecting telescopes or Newtonian telescopes. Learn about Dobsonian mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope…

Composite telescopes have greater focal lengths and more compact designs than standard telescopes. Find out how composite telescopes differ from other telescopes in this free video on home astronomy…

The aperture of a telescope refers to its ability to gather light. Find out which aperture to choose when buying a telescope in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

Know what features to look for when buying a telescope. Telescope buyers are faced with many options and confusing technological terms when choosing what to purchase. Find out what to look for when…

A refracting telescope is the most common kind of telescope. Discover the difference between refracting and reflecting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

Equatorial telescope mounts allow users to track the earth's rotation. Find out about equatorial mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

A reflecting telescope should only be used for night sky viewing. Discover the difference between reflecting and refracting telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope…

GoTo telescope mounts have electronic motors for both the horizontal axis and vertical axis. Learn about GoTo mounts for telescopes in this free video on home astronomy from a telescope salesperson.

When buying a telescope, use the focal length and focal ratio to determine the magnification of a telescope. Choose a focal ratio for a telescopes based on the tips in this free video on home…

When buying a telescope, select a finder scope that is comfortable to look through. Decide what type of finder scope to purchase for a telescope with the buying tips in this free video on home…

Planetarium software for telescope users and lay astronomers help viewers explore the sky. Learn about planetarium programs that help local telescope viewers from an observatory director in this free…

Home telescopes can see many galaxies and star clusters, but images will not be as profound as space telescope images. Find out what a home telescope can reasonably hope to see from an observatory…

The internet can help telescope enthusiasts have fun exploring the night sky, seeing satellites or keeping up with astronomy. Learn internet resources for home telescope viewing from an observatory…

Use a telescope far from city lights and light pollution to see stars, but view meteors with the naked eye. Get tips on viewing meteor showers and observing starry skies with a telescope from an…

Telescopes can feature different eyepieces that change magnification and viewing options during telescope use. Learn different eyepieces for telescope viewing from an observatory director in this free…

Telescopes with fork equatorial mounts rotate to follow the arc of the sun, not in straight lines. Learn how to use equatorial mounts for a telescope from an observatory director in this free…

Telescopes should be aligned on equatorial mounts, often centering on the North Star, to ease following celestial bodies over time. Align Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes with an observatory director in…

Clean telescope lenses and mirrors only every few years and never use a T-shirt or finger to wipe viewing surfaces. Maintain a telescope in working order with an observatory director in this free…

Telescopes that follow the design made by Sir Isaac Newton were coined Newtonian and have finding telescopes attached. Study Newtonian telescopes with an observatory director in this free astronomy…

Use a telescope to see the Messier Objects or take in planets and moons as they trace the ecliptic arc. Observe the stars with a telescope alongside an observatory director in this free astronomy…

Star charts and star wheels help home telescope users find and identify stars in the night sky. Learn to use star charts for telescope viewing from an observatory director in this free astronomy…

Try red lights and binoculars when telescope viewing to keep up night vision and home in on star clusters. Use tools that help telescope observations with an observatory director in this free…

The parts of telescope can differ in varying telescope designs, but they work by using mirrors or lenses as reflectors or refractors to magnify light. Learn the parts of a basic telescope from an…

A camera lens builds upon the principles of a basic lens, which bends light to produce an image on a projection surface. The human eye is an example of this system, which allows light to enter through…

A brief discussion on what's around the corner in telescope technology. Learn more about telescope design in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Star parties are a great way to test out other telescopes. Learn more about socializing with other telescope users in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and…

Stay away from these telescopes! Learn more buying tips for telescopes in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Buying the right clothing is also an essential part of buying your telescope. Learn what clothes you will need for telescope viewing excursions in this free home astronomy equipment video from a…

Why a planisphere should be your first telescope accessory. Learn more about purchasing accessories for your telescope in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and…

Discussion of how color filters can enhance your telescope experience. Learn more about buying accessories for your telescope in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and…

For on-the-go star viewing or birdwatching in your backyard, a grab-and-gun telescope may be ideal for you. Learn more about the uses of a portable telescope in this free home astronomy equipment…

What qualities to look for in a telescope eyepiece and what to avoid. Learn more tips for buying a telescope this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Discussion of the varieties of telescope eyepieces available. Learn how to choose the right eyepiece for you in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Finding the right size of telescope for your needs. Find out the right telescope for you in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Discussion of the components of a refractoring telescope. Learn how a telescope works in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

A discussion of what make the best first telescope. Learn buying tips for telescopes in this free home astronomy equipment video from a telescope designer and manufacturer.

Choosing the right telescope depends on your personal needs and interests. What may be ideal for one person isn't necessarily right for you. Before you begin your search for the ideal telescope it is…

The very first practical telescope was invented in 1608, and greatly improved by Galileo in 1609. Upon sharing his findings with the general public, Galileo ensured that anyone, rich or poor, could…

A telescope allows you to explore the skies and see well beyond the capacity of the human eye. The telescope has certainly come a long way from when Galileo first viewed the craters of the moon in…

An extension tube for a telescope or other optic acts between the objective lens and the eyepiece of the instrument by spacing and funneling light. Extension tubes affect focus capability by moving…

All telescopes, other than some tabletop or simple refractor types, need a sturdy tripod for both security and optimal viewing. Most sizable telescopes are sold with a tripod, which may or may not be…

Telescope eyepieces form the magnified images that you see when you look through the telescope's optical tube. An eyepiece consists of lens components in a moisture- and dust-resistant housing. You'll…

Once you've mastered telescopic object magnification, it's time to increase the brightness and detail of what you're viewing. Use a telescope filter to increase contrast anytime or reduce glare during…

Maximize the power of your optics by adding a telescope to your 35mm optical or digital camera, spotting scope or microscope. Wildlife photographers, astrophotographers, laboratory researchers and…

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…

The Star Pointer Finderscope will superimpose a small red dot onto the sky so that you can align on an object. It features zero magnification and uses a coated glass window. The device employs a…

The Celestron Firstscope 76EQ Telescope's Star Pointer Finderscope will superimpose a small red dot onto the sky so that you can line up on a celestial object. The finderscope has zero magnification…

It's easy to find objects in the sky using setting circles for right ascension and declination. You will find the objects' coordinates in star charts or atlases.

A telescope must be focused to show a proper image. An out-of-focus telescope will show blurs or nothing at all. The first time you use a new telescope, it will most likely be out of focus. Get it…

Be cautious when caring for your telescope. Cleaning the optics can do more damage than letting the dust sit on them.

The best telescope is not the most expensive or the biggest - it's the one you'll use most.