If you are thinking of getting a telescope and don't know where to start, here's a brief guide to telescopes and the different types of scopes available in the market today. Telescopes can be used for land (terrestrial) viewing or for Astronomy (celestial viewing) - we've included a flow chart that shows you which telescopes work for the activity you are purchasing it for. Brought to you by OpticsCentral Australia - Telescopes, Binoculars, Microscopes and more! www.opticscentral.com.au

1. Your Guide to
Telescopes
All you need to know about telescopes
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2. What is a Telescope?

Long tube with mirrors & lenses, designed to
make distant objects look near.

3. Brief History of A Telescope
1608: Hans Lipperhey, tried to patent the first telescope with 3x magnification. However, in…

4. How does it work?

5. Reflector Telescopes
Beginner’s Telescopes
You need Binoculars
Spotting Scopes
Cassegrain Telescopes
Refractor Telescopes
Astronomy Binoculars

6. What can I see?

7. Types of Telescopes
Refractor telescope
•
•
•
•
Use lenses to gather light
Durable – low maintenance
Excellent for moon, planets
& stars
Suffers from Chromatic
Aberration
Reflector telescope
•
•
•
•
Use mirrors to gather light
Economical but bulky
Versatile & great for
astrophotography
Suffers from Comatic
Aberration
Cassegrain telescope
•
•
•
Use a combination of
mirrors and lenses
Compact but more
expensive
Versatile & great for
astrophotography

8. Viewing Tips & Tricks
Observe from high areas
Keep your telescope cool
Start with the moon
Learn how to star hop
Get a good skymap

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