New Mexico Museum of Space History offers telescope shopping tips
ALAMOGORDO – It's that time of year again, when curious children of all ages ask for things like telescopes for Christmas, according to a New Mexico Museum of Space History (NMMSH) press release.
In the release, NMMSH spokeswoman Cathy Harper wrote parents will immediately Google their favorite Internet retailer and probably buy the first thing that looks reasonable.
Harper stated it might work out, but an uninformed choice will probably result in a gift that ends up squashing their child’s budding interest because it’s too complicated and frustrating to use. Below are a couple of guidelines that will help make the right choice.
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Rule number one: Avoid a telescope with high magnification
In the release, Harper stated a claim of 600X magnification might sound impressive but the truth is, experienced telescope users do a lot of observing at powers under 100X magnification. A magnification of 50x to 75X is enough to show observers through a telescope sights such as Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons and a wealth of detail on the moon.
For objects such as galaxies, nebulae and star clusters, the lowest possible power is often used. The image will be brighter, the field of view will be larger and the telescope easier to point, Harper wrote in the release.
Many small telescopes offer computer control and extra gadgets, even at the entry level.
Rule number two: Avoid excessive complication and technology
Harper stated it might sound great to have an instrument that will automatically show the wonders of the universe but the truth is, these types of instruments can be complicated to set up and require power for to use them.
They also remove the wonder of learning the night sky and the thrill of discovering objects on your own. Simple point and look designs will have a much lower frustration factor with any child figuring out how to use it very quickly. Look for non-powered alt/az or Dobsonian designs, Harper stated.
The diameter of the element that gathers the light and forms the image, the mirror or lens, is the most important specification a telescope has to offer.
Rule number three: Aperture is important
With beginner telescopes, there are apertures ranging from 2.4 inches up to 6 inches or 8 inches. A larger aperture means a brighter and sharper image. The observer will see more no matter what is being looked at, just be careful about size and weight, Harper wrote in the release.
She stated for a beginner, an instrument between 4 inches and 6 inches will be ideal, light and small enough to be easy to set up yet powerful enough to impress.
If these rules are kept in mind, any child will be given the key to unlocking an interest in nature and science that will last a lifetime, Harper wrote in the release.
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Remember: The best telescope is the one that's used
Free workshop
She stated once the right telescope is chosen, one must learn how to use it.
On Dec. 29, New Mexico Museum of Space History educators will conduct a free telescope workshop from 10 a.m. until noon for anyone to learn some great basic tips on how to set up and use a new telescope.
For more information, call 575-437-2840 or 877-333-6589 or go online to NMMSH's website at nmspacemuseum.org.