The Dobsonian telescope is the perfect choice for the visual astronomer This is why I chose it I was interested in visual astronomy. I wanted to observe in real-time. I wanted the largest proportion of my budget to be spent on the mirror and focuser so that I got great, pleasing views with no colour…
Month: December 2021
Using a new telescope
First, don’t rush and enjoy the experience of learning a new skill. It will take time as this is a slow hobby. Check your telescope over indoors. Make sure you can adjust the vertical and horizontal position, that you know how the focuser works and how to change and secure the eyepiece. Don’t try and…
Mirror Cleaning
Over time dust will build up on the mirrors of a reflector telescope and the amount will depend on the conditions where you live and how you store your telescope. Dust can be minimised by keeping the aperture capped when not in use and storing the OTA with the primary mirror facing down. Dust will…
Flocking
Lining the OTA of the telescope reduces unwanted internal reflections and has the additional benefit of keeping dew off the mirrors. To flock the OTA of my 8″ 300mm telescope, I used two 1m rolls of Black Velour Material. This is easily fitted to the tube without rippling. As I was removing the secondary and…