Celestron -- Telescope Basics

redirecting... Celestron -- Telescope Basics


	STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY. EASY-TO-USE FEATURES. READY-TO-USE COMPONENTS.

Navigation: / home / Telescope Basics

INTRODUCTION

Telescope Basics is a valuable resource for the person just getting started in astronomy. It answers questions about the different types of telescopes and also gives the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Telescope Basics also defines many astronomical terms and contains numerous pictures and illustrations. We think that you will find this resource rich with content, and very helpful

GETTING STARTED

Introduction
What you can see with a telescope

TYPES OF TELESCOPES

Introduction
Refractor
Newtonian Reflector
Catadioptrics

OPTICAL TERMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF TELESCOPES

Aperture (Diameter of the lens or mirror)
Focal Length
Resolution

Resolving Power

Contrast
Light Gathering Power (Light Grasp)
Airy Disk Brilliance Factor

Exit Pupil

Power (Magnification)
Limiting Magnitude
Diffraction Limited (Rayleigh Criterion)
Focal Ratio (Photographic Speed or F/Stop)
Near Focus
Field of View
Optical Design Aberrations
Collimation

MECHANICAL TERMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF TELESCOPES

Telescope Mounts (Stability)
Wedge
Clock (Motor) Drive
Setting Circles
Finderscope
Star Diagonal
Eyepiece (Ocular)
Accessories

GENERAL INFORMATION

Seeing Conditions
Portability
Versatility
Quality
The Celestial-Coordinate System