6 Things To Know About How To Buy a Telescope

Telescopes give skygazers a great way to see magnified views of objects in the sky. Buying that first (or second or fifth) telescope is an exciting moment, so its a great idea to be fully informed before heading out to the stores.  Theres a lot to learn and a telescope is a long-term investment, so its important to learn the terminology. In addition, its always good to know what types of objects are of interest. Some people mainly want to observe planets, while others are into deep sky objects. Those targets help determine which telescope to get. A telescope with eyepiece (lower end), finderscope,and a good mount are important for long-term enjoyment of stargazing.   Andy Crawford/Getty Images Power Is Overrated A good telescope is not JUST  about the â€Å"power†. If a telescope ad touts claims about 300X or other numbers about the â€Å"power† the scope has, watch out! High power sounds great, but, there’s a catch. High magnification makes an object appear larger, which is important. However, the light gathered by the scope is spread over a larger area which creates a fainter image in the eyepiece. So, its important to keep that in mind. Also, high-powered scopes have specific requirements for eyepieces, so its a good idea to check out what eyepieces work best with a given instrument. Sometimes, lower power provides a better viewing experience, particularly if observers are checking out objects that are spread out across the sky, such as clusters or nebulae.   Telescope Eyepieces: Power is Not the Only Object Any new telescope should have at least one eyepiece, and some sets come with two or three. An eyepiece is rated by millimeters (mm), with smaller numbers indicating higher magnification. A 25mm eyepiece is common and appropriate for most beginners. As mentioned above, a telescope’s power or magnification is not the best indicator of a good scope. As with the whole, so the parts. A higher power eyepiece does not necessarily mean better viewing. It may allow you to see details in a small cluster, for example, but if its used to look at a nebula, it will only show a part of the object. So, high- and low-power eyepieces each have their place in observing, depending on what interests the stargazer. Its also important to remember that while a higher magnification eyepiece may provide more details, it may be harder to keep an object in view. To get the steadiest seeing in such cases, its important to use a motorized mount. Remember: a lower-power eyepiece makes it easier to find objects and keep them in view. Lower magnification eyepieces require less light, so viewing dimmer objects is easier. Refractor or Reflector Telescope:  Whats the Difference? The two most common types of telescopes available to amateurs are refractors and reflectors. A refractor uses two lenses. The larger of the two is at one end; its called the objective. On the other end is the lens the observer looks through, called the ocular or the eyepiece. A reflector gathers light at the bottom of the telescope using a concave mirror, called the primary. There are many ways the primary can focus the light, and how it is done determines the type of reflecting scope. Telescope Aperture Size Determines the View The aperture of a scope refers to the diameter of either the objective lens of a refractor or objective mirror of a reflector. The aperture size is the true key to the power of a telescope. Its ability to gather light is directly proportional to the size of its aperture and the more light a scope can gather, the better the image an observer will see. At this point, many beginners just think: I’ll just buy the biggest telescope I can afford. Unless they can afford to invest in their own observatory as well, they should probably not go too big when it comes to an instrument. A small scope that can be transported easily will probably get used a lot more than a larger one that takes some effort to haul around. Typically, 2.4-inch (60-mm) and 3.1-inch (80-mm) refractors and 4.5-inch (114-mm) and 6-inch (152-mm) reflectors are popular for most amateurs. Telescope Focal Ratio. The focal ratio of a telescope is calculated by dividing aperture size into its focal length. The focal length is measured from the main lens (or mirror) to where the light converges to focus. As an example, a scope with an aperture of 4.5 inches and focal length of 45 inches, will have a focal ratio of f/10. While a higher focal ratio does not always mean a higher quality image, it often means as good an image for similar cost. However, a higher focal ratio with the same size aperture means a longer scope, which can translate into a telescope someone has to wrestle with a bit more to get into a vehicle for transport to a viewing area.   Get a Good Telescope Mount is worth the money.   The mount for a scope is just as important as the tube and optics. Most people don’t think of that when they decide to buy a scope unless theyve done their homework. The mount is a stand that holds the telescope steady. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to view a distant object if the scope is not very steady and wobbles at the slightest touch (or worse, in the wind!). So, its important to invest in a good, solid telescope mount.   There are basically two types of mounts, altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth is similar to a camera tripod. It allows the telescope to move up and down (altitude) and back and forth (azimuth). The equatorial is designed to follow the movement of objects in the sky. Higher end equatorials come with a motor drive to follow the rotation of the Earth, keeping an object in the field of view longer. Many equatorial mounts come with small computers, which aim the scope automatically. Caveat Emptor, Even for a telescope. Yes, let the buyer beware. This is as true today as it ever has been in the past. It also applies to the purchase of a telescope. Just as with any other product, it is almost always true that you get what you pay for. A cheap department-store scope will almost certainly be a waste of money.   The truth is that most people do not need an expensive scope, and its better to buy the best one for the budget. However, its also important to avoid getting suckered in by cheap deals at stores that dont specialize in scopes.   Being a knowledgeable consumer is key. Read everything about scopes, both in telescope books and in articles online about what is really needed for stargazing. Go to astronomy club meetings and do a little parasitic viewing (of course, always ask permission), and ask for advice about telescopes. Most members love to give advice, and theres no better way to experiment with different models of instruments. Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.

The Character of Julius Caesar in William Shakespeares...

The Character of Julius Caesar in William Shakespeares Play In William Shakespeares ‘Julius Caesar’, honor is displayed as a prominent theme throughout the play. Honor is having great respect for others, regardless of their status in society; and performing great deeds not for personal gain but for the good of others. Marcus Brutus is an example of an honorable man; Caius Cassius, however, is not. When Brutus joined the conspiracy against Caesar, he did it solely for the good of Rome. Unlike all the other men, Brutus justified his motive for murder: Brutus feared that Caesar would alter his attitude when he was crowned emperor: He would be crownd/ How that might change his nature...†¦show more content†¦Cassius says: ...Caesar said to me, `Dearest thou, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point? Upon the word Accoutred as I was, I plunged in and bade him follow; so indeed he did. The torrent roared...but ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, `Help me Cassius, or I sink....So from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar: and this man Is now become a god and Cassius is A wretched creature.... (I,ii,102-117) Cassius had to save Caesar from the river, which draws him to the conclusion that he deserves recognition for his strength over Caesar. One of Brutus flaws is that he is not very bright. He is an idealist; he do esnt think about the consequences of Caesars murder. For example, when Cassius presented the idea of swearing an oath of secrecy within the conspiracy, Brutus assumes that all of the other men were as noble as he and would not tell anyone of their plans. However, one man betrayed the conspiracy and Caesar was warned. Cassius forethought is one thing he holds over Brutus, as he thinks about the possible outcomes in Caesars murder. He suggested killing Marc Anthony along with Caesar, however, Brutus said: Our course will seem too bloody.../Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers... (II,i,162/166). Brutus didnt want to kill Antony and Cassius backed down immediately. Cassius is also weak minded and changesShow MoreRelatedJulius Caesar Character Analysis Essay1017 Words   |  5 Pages The author of Julius Caesar is William Shakespeare, an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. He was born on July 13 in 1564 and died in 1616. It was written to be a tragedy and was one of the seventh plays written off true events that happened in Roman time. Also includes Coriolanus, Antony, and Cleopatra. Drama of the play focuses on Brutus’ struggle between the conflicting demands of honor, patriotism, and friendship. Opens with â€Å"twoRead MoreEssay about Shakespeares Manipulation of History Through Literature1422 Words   |  6 Pages In some of William Shakespeares most famous works, he deviates from the historical truth to create the final product of his works. He does this to please loyalty, as well as appeal to his audience at the time. At the same time, Shakespeare also does this to help create a stronger bond between the reader and the characters. To satisfy this, he implements many fictional pieces to his famous works. Macbeth was one of these works as he wrote this in 1606 to honor James I becoming the king of EnglandRead More A Comparison of Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar660 Words   |  3 PagesRomans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar When closely evaluating the two texts: Plutarchs The Lives of the Ancient Grecians and Romans and Shakespeares Julius Caesar, there are stark differences of the theme and characters. While Plutarchs text is mostly informative, as describing a series of historical events, Shakespeare incorporates a wide variety of dramatic conventions as well as changing many events to entertain an audience. It is important to note that Shakespeares play was based onRead MoreWhat Are We Supposed To Know? The Depiction of a Controversial Character and the Accuracy of a Historical Story972 Words   |  4 Pagesyou cannot help yourself in the future. William Shakespeare’s depiction of Julius Caesar is very controversial. It seems as if he gives the readers the chance to figure out if they like or dislike him. In the form of historical accuracy, Shakespeare is accurate with what he believes to be true. For Shakespeare, what he has written is accurate for his location and time. Shakespeare is very confusing with his depiction of Caesar, the way Cassius spoke of Caesar was of pure jealousy. 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The play discusses the planning of the murder, and the events that follow the catastrophe. Brutus is one of the conspirators in the murdering of Caesar and is also one of his beloved friends. Shakespeare incorporates traditionalRead MoreAnalysis Of Shakespeare s Julius Caesar 1008 Words   |  5 PagesJulius Caesar Assignment Tess Macintyre IGCSE English Literature Discuss the contribution made by the two women, Portia and Calpurnia, to the play as a whole. In William Shakespeare’s drama Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s numerous characters include just two women; Calpurnia and Portia; the wives of Julius Caesar and Marcus Brutus respectively. Though the parts are small, they each make important contributions to the play as a whole. Both women in Julius Caesar exist only in the context of their relationshipsRead MoreShakespeare’S Tragic Hero . William Shakespeare, â€Å" The1492 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare’s Tragic Hero William Shakespeare, â€Å" The Bard†, is one of the most influential figure that shaped the english language. He has wrote some of the most well known poetry and plays. Also he has has a large influence on the english language itself. He added around 5,000 different words that we still use today. Some Shakespeare’s most well known plays are Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. The Tragedy of Julius Caesar was one of Shakespeare s plays thatRead MoreAnalysis Of Julius Shakespeare s Julius Caesar 1299 Words   |  6 Pages2017 Brutus’ Role in The Tragedy of Julius Caesar The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, written by William Shakespeare in 1599, is just one example of a typical Shakespearean tragedy. At the beginning of the book, the reader believes that the Julius Caesar is the main character and that the whole book will revolve around him. By the time the reader finishes the book it is clear that Decius Brutus, or just ‘Brutus’, is the main character and the tragic hero. Shakespeare’s idea of a tragic hero had five specificRead MoreJake Beidler. Mrs. Voshell. Honors English 10. 5 May 2017.1444 Words   |  6 Pages2017 The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, more like The Tragedy of Brutus The Tragedy of Julius Caesar is one of the better known, yet lesser understood theater installments by William Shakespeare in the Sixteenth Century. The play was first performed September 21, 1599 in the Globe Theatre in London, England. In the play there are many different and unique characters, some complex, some simple. Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, better known as Brutus, is one of the characters in the play and the protagonist

A New Home free essay sample

Attleboro High School, my alma mater, is split into five buildings: A building, B building, C building, etc. Every student has their piece in the school. The jocks crowd the locker rooms and chat about last night’s big game against the school rival, Bishop Feehan. The artists gather in 116A every Thursday to create shocking masterpieces that make the administrators queasy. Throughout all my years in high school, I â€Å"livedâ€Å" in E Building. E Building consists of the music department where the chorus girls and the band kids congregate. Instruments are played here; voices sung. Right outside the doors of the classroom is the auditorium where I have spent many a night rehearsing for the school drama productions. It is here that I am truly myself. Here I can express myself through voice. Here I can play pretend with fellow thespians onstage. Here I can breathe. Now that I’m a senior graduating from my home away from home, I’m in search of a new abode. We will write a custom essay sample on A New Home or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Out of my twelve years of schooling, ten of those years have been spent practicing the performing arts in some form. This includes pirouetting down the halls of April, May, and June’s School of Dance, rehearsing on stage for an Attleboro High School Drama Club production, and perfecting each note for the upcoming chorus concert. These ten years have put me in a routine that I’m not willing to break. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a high school with a great music and theatre program. I want to go to a college that provides the same opportunities. The Hartt School offers a Music Production and Technology major that I am positive will ensure a future for me in the music business. I’ve looked at other colleges that offer similar majors, but nothing compares to the Hartt School. This school has always been a dream of mine. I can only imagine the sound of the voices coming from the choir. I’d consider it an honor to be even considered qualified. Perhaps in the fall of 2010, my new home away from home will be in West Hartford, Connecticut.