I'd like to purchase a telescope for observations during my Astronomy class and for personal use after the class is over. Could anyone describe what I'd be able to see on a clear night with specific ones? I'd like to see as much as I can, but I'm on a limited budget of course. Any advice is much appreciated.
The cheapest thing you could do is buy a copy of redshift 3 it's cheaper than RS4 and is just as good . A few years ago I splashed out £400 on a reflector. Living in the london area soon tought me a thing or two about light pollution and also bad weather and clouds affected my viewing. Then i bought the redshift software initially to compliment my viewing, but in the end it completely took over, I could use it day or night, at any time really. The views you get with the software are much better than you can get with a telescope. Give it a try you wont be sorry or out of pocket.
Well I can give only 2 suggestions. Buy a telescope: Limited budget.... between $400 and $500 I suppose. Well for that much you'll get a small telescope with little observational power. Id say 10" is the smallest you really want to go. 10" is the diameter of the mirror. Thus you have one other option. Make your own telescope. You can create the telescope and buy a already made mirror, or get a piece of glass and grind and make your own mirror. Making your own mirror is time consuming. And you should only grind it. Then send it off to get coated with aluminum. If you get a book or find a local astronmy club and someone willing to help you, $400-$500 will get you a very nice 10" scope. Matter of fact a friend of mine made a 10". His mirror is Incredibly good. I mean fantastic. His mirror alone is probably worth about $2000 even though you can buy a complete electronic telescope from meade for $1200. Overall making your own telescope is the way to go. Cheap and relatively ease if you have a mentor. The mirror is the hardest part. Everything else is algerbra, time, and carpenter skills. Any further questions or if you want some resources, PM me. Since im 15 and I have done extensive research on the subject becuse I want a telescope of my own. Later TPlease Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
