What is Dobsonian: Definition and 15 Discussions

A Dobsonian telescope is an altazimuth-mounted Newtonian telescope design popularized by John Dobson in 1965 and credited with vastly increasing the size of telescopes available to amateur astronomers. Dobson's telescopes featured a simplified mechanical design that was easy to manufacture from readily available components to create a large, portable, low-cost telescope. The design is optimized for observing faint, deep-sky objects such as nebulae and galaxies. This type of observation requires a large objective diameter (i.e. light-gathering power) of relatively short focal length and portability for travel to less light-polluted locations.Dobsonians are intended to be what is commonly called a "light bucket" operating at low magnification, and therefore the design omits features found in other amateur telescopes such as equatorial tracking. Dobsonians are popular in the amateur telescope making community, where the design was pioneered and continues to evolve. A number of commercial telescope makers also sell telescopes based on this design. The term Dobsonian is currently used for a range of large-aperture Newtonian reflectors that use some of the basic Dobsonian design characteristics, regardless of the materials from which they are constructed.

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  1. P

    Stargazing What is the best Dobsonian telescope with a goto feature?

    My interests include; Large telescopes & Astrophotography Sub-atomic particles The Copenhagen Interpretation Black Holes Bubble universes and the Multiverse Many Worlds Theory The Holographic Proposal Quantum entanglement Causality, determinism and free will
  2. sophiecentaur

    B Pointing and using a Dobsonian

    My last question on the Astronomy Forum was answered perfectly. Let's try another one. I just bought a (s/h) Sky Watcher 200mm dobsonian and have already been stunned by seeing Jupiter with its coloured bands and its moons in brief holes in the danged cloud. But it is not easy to point it...
  3. N

    Understanding 'Observe' in Physics: Definitions and Explanations

    When I read any physics articles online I always end up receiving the wrong message. especially in terms such as 'observe'. what does this term mean when its used to describe exeperiments such as the double slit
  4. GiantSheeps

    Stargazing Remote Controlling Truss Dobsonian Telescope?

    Is it possible to rig a Truss Dobsonian telescope like this one so that you can control it remotely from inside of a building while the telescope itself is on the roof of the building? Then is it possible to attach some sort of adapter to the telescope that would allow you to hook up a camera...
  5. Shreyas Shree

    Optical Making a Dobsonian Telescope DIY

    I am going to make a Dobsonian telescope. Primarily a 6" f/8. I have no idea what the secondary mirror size would be an its distance from the centre of the primary. I have been told that if the secondary is too small then the effective aperture would be reduced. And i do not understancd these...
  6. GiantSheeps

    Best way to see Andromeda galaxy

    I just recently got a dobsonian reflector telescope, (Orion SkyQuest XT8 PLUS Dobsonian Reflector Telescope) and I was wondering what the best way to see the andromeda galaxy would be using the telescope? Of these, which would be the best eye piece for that sort of thing?: Orion 2" 28mm...
  7. shanepitts

    Stargazing City viewing with dobsonian telescope?

    My father will be lending me his dobsonian telescope, but I live in the city. Is there much to see through all this light pollution?
  8. MartinJH

    Stargazing Skywatcher Skyliner 150P Dobsonian questions

    Sorry to barge in on a thread, and I am sorry if this is the wrong place, but is this a recommended scope http://firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=dobsky150 for a amatuer and what could you expect to see with almost/ none light poplution.
  9. E

    Stargazing Huge difference between a 6 dobsonian and a 10 ?

    huge difference between a 6" dobsonian and a 10"? Would one notice a huge difference between a 6" dobsonian and a 10"? I've used a 6" and liked it and have about 500 for a new 'scope. The 10" from Orion is about that much. But of course if there isn't a massive difference, I could get a smaller...
  10. Who Am I

    Stargazing Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian. 8 inch reflector

    Well, I have a Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian. 8 inch reflector. It's kind of heavy, but is easy enough to transport. It didn't cost me much, under 400 I think. I am a big fan of it. I personally wouldn't ever choose portability over viewing quality, as long as I can move the thing. I'd always feel like...
  11. Who Am I

    I got a Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian. The stock lens is decent

    I got a Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian. The stock lens is decent, I think. One is a 68 degree Plossl and the other is a zoomed in Plossl that I don't know as much about. I want a new lens so I can get better views. I am mostly interested in deep sky objects, seeing as there are only a handful of...
  12. J

    Stargazing Can i use a watch glass as a primary mirror of dobsonian telescope?

    can i use a watch glass as a primary mirror of dobsonian telescope?
  13. J

    Stargazing Magnification of dobsonian telescope

    how can i get the magnification of dobsonian telescope i made??
  14. J

    Stargazing Primary mirror for dobsonian telescope

    can i use a concave aluminum mirror as an objective mirror of a dobsonian telescope??
  15. kleinma

    Orion's XT8 8 Dobsonian as a good beginner scope

    Orion's XT8 8" Dobsonian as a good beginner scope hey all... question! i posted this thread a while back and got some mixed reviews on what i should get as far as a telescope... well I really would like to get one before Mars gets nice and close this summer.. i figure that will give me a...
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