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Many people spend time gazing into the sky, wondering about what lies
beyond, dreaming about having the ability to see constellations, planets,
stars, and activities more closely. When the desire finally grows into a
yearning that will not be assuaged with magazines and books, you are
ready to embark on an adventure that will become the constant throughout
your life. Backyard astronomy provides an individual with a sense of
wonder each time you discover something new. It will provide you with
renewed confidence to face challenges in your daily life. And, it will
give the artistic or philosophical person an entirely new world to
explore and enjoy. Preparing for your new adventure will require very few actual tools, but if you are the type of person that feels better with a plan and strategy, you may want to begin exploring all of the resources available on the Internet and in land-based groups. Astronomy groups are made up of an incredibly diverse group of people. Some are artists who find their muse in the stars and planets. Others, are philosophers who seek answers beyond the limitations of our small blue planet. The great thing about the groups is that everyone shares the excitement and love of discovery. There are many different types of telescopes that provide different levels of viewing capability. You may want to start with a small telescope and upgrade as you develop more skills and confidence. When you are involved with an astronomy group, there will be activities held that will allow you to explore the universe and test other types of telescopes in some beautiful settings. There are 2 types of telescopes both of which have an optical tube assembly. The lens space telescope, or refractor, is a telescope that holds the objective at the front of the lens. The mirror-based telescope, or reflector, have a secondary mirror that reflects the image down in eyepiece. The main components found in a telescope will greatly determine the quality of your experience. The eyepiece of most mid-to upper range telescopes is found on the side of the tube. The individual using this type of eyepiece is usually using the mirror-based telescope. The focuser there is found on almost all telescopes. This is an adjustment mechanism that allows you to sharpen the image easily. When a person first gets their telescope, it will be a good idea to adjust the focus during the day to ascertain the distance they will be able to see most clearly. The Barlow lens is found on a high-end telescopes. This lens is located between the focuser and eyepiece. The lens is extremely beneficial for the avid astronomer because it allows a person to increase their focal length on the telescope to between 2 and 5 times. For a person who is investing in the high and telescope finding the a equipment that will allow them to easily see the constellations, stars, moons, and other are beautiful portions of the universe will make the investment well worth it. For many people who enjoy backyard astronomy, the rooftop is a great place to set up your telescope. This is the place you can escape at night a watch another world come to life as you relax and realize that all of the issues you have faced throughout your day are not quite as big as they seemed. The cost of becoming a backyard astronomer will vary greatly depending on the type of equipment you want to get to begin your hobby. It is important to remember that a telescope is often the most important piece of equipment you will select and it will last for several years. While many hobbies will allow for cost-cutting short-cuts, there is nothing to parallel the sharp, crisp viewing that you will receive from a finely made telescope that is weighted properly. By subscribing to magazines and newsletters, you will have constant access to articles, tips and reviews on the newest software, books, and equipment. You will also find numerous links to astronomy websites that will be invaluable. Through the forums and discussion groups you can ask questions and share ideas about any questions that you may have regarding your hobby. Seasoned astronomers love to share information and help new members to succeed and grow. These resources will prove invaluable when you are deciding on the best telescope to begin your hobby. A person who is considering becoming a backyard astronomer will find it very helpful to talk to professionals who have experience and expertise and the different types of telescopes available, groups in their area, helpful books, and magazines, that will give them the information they need to make a knowledgeable decision about the best telescope for their needs. Depending on your passion for astronomy, it may be that investing in a high-end telescope will be much more beneficial than the low-end telescope. |