Have you ever been mesmerized at least once in your life by the beauty and mystery of the night starry sky? Stars, planets, and satellites are massive cosmic bodies unique by their nature. All of them are unattainable in the physical sense for ordinary people like you and me. Space is a fantastic thing, which we can never touch with our hands; however, we can enjoy it from the side with the help of various complementary devices – the so-called telescopes.
The work of these devices consists of collecting electromagnetic radiation from distant objects. Nowadays, there are different telescopes: optical, radio telescopes, X-rays, and gamma telescopes. They all are differentiated by their mechanisms of work, appearance, etc. An important fact is that some of them are more difficult to apply and are intended for professional activities; others have the most necessary, so to speak, a standard set of functions to achieve the goal – viewing space objects and photographing them. Once all professionals were amateurs of their craft, learning astronomy with professional technology was a brutal and energy-consuming occupation. Therefore, the best seven telescopes for beginners are given below:
1. Celestron StarSense Explorer – this telescope communicates with the device through the particular StarSense Explorer app so that you can view constellations and starspots. It is worth mentioning that the display is reproduced in real-time, and the sight on the screen turns green when a set goal is achieved. Wi-Fi and a cellular network are not necessary for use; in addition, there is a night mode when the screen turns red for better adaptation of the eyes in the dark. The lens is 130mm, and there are two available eyepieces: 1- 25 mm, which provides 26x magnification, and 2-10 mm, which provides 65x magnification. The device is accessible in applying and accurate in achieving the goal.
2. Infinity Telescope Meade Instruments is a reasonably light refractory model with three eyepieces with several magnification options. The sight is established on a special fastening equipped with slow-motion control rods so that the target is not lost while tracking. The device is paired with the Windows AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition integration software that helps you study the sky with over 10 000 celestial objects.
3. Celestron PowerSeeker 127 EQ – the device is suitable for those who understand at least something in telescopes. A reasonably portable device, which is used for viewing in the countryside. The sight is established on a mount with a designated rod height for precise observation; two eyepieces have 50x and 250x magnification. There is a SkyX planetarium program with a database of 10 000 objects and print star charts.
4. Gskyer EQ901000 Refracting Telescope – has a 70mm diaphragm and an easily accessible focus wheel. It is well suited for observing celestial objects as well as observing animals. The set includes three interchangeable eyepieces – 25mm, 10mm, and 5 mm, a scope for a finder, a tripod, a phone holder, and wireless remote control. The model has a long focal length and wide diaphragm for good focusing, reducing glare.
5. The Orion StarSeeker IV – reflector model database contains over 42 000 targets. Has two eyepieces and a good lens, equipped with a moon filter. Eight AA-size batteries power it; however, it can be plugged into a wall outlet via an adapter or a portable generator. The telescope can likewise be controlled via Wi-Fi. The only drawback of the device is its weight in comparison with other models-this model is a bit heavier.
6. Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope – has a compact and portable form-factor, and along with this, is equipped with a large six-inch primary mirror. Combining these factors makes it quite robust and easy to assemble and disassemble. It is small in size but rather heavy in weight; with the help of adapters for the camera, astrophotography can be performed. Some additional functions can be purchased, like a SkyPortal Wi-Fi module, which provides wireless control and various new functions.
7. ToyBee 100246- a refractory telescope with three eyepieces. The telescope can be applied for viewing space objects and ground observation. It has a 70mm lens. In addition, the eyepiece has good characteristics, including 20mm: 15x; 6mm: 50x; and the focal length is estimated at 300mm. The device does not require any additional tools.
Accordingly, we can conclude that such telescopes are tailored specifically for beginners. Developers make them high-quality for both the short and long term. Each of the above telescopes has essential functions, and some of them even have an additional role that improves the process and quality of viewing and photographing in general. If you have never done anything like this before, these are the models that will guide you on the path of knowledge of the starry sky.