Gaze the Stars: Tips for High Schooler Stargazing in OC

  • Context: Stargazing 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ki Man
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around tips for high school students interested in stargazing, particularly in light-polluted areas like Orange County (OC). Participants share their experiences with telescopes, focusing on the challenges of using high magnification and the importance of understanding equipment specifications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having a 500x reflector telescope but struggles with light pollution, seeking advice for stargazing.
  • Another participant suggests that observing at 500x magnification is impractical without extensive knowledge of the sky and recommends using a lower power eyepiece.
  • A different participant shares their experience with a larger telescope, indicating that they primarily use lower magnifications and rarely utilize higher settings.
  • There is a discussion about the potential confusion between focal length and magnification, with one participant questioning the specifications of the telescope.
  • One participant acknowledges the low-end nature of the telescope but emphasizes the importance of skill development before upgrading equipment.
  • A later reply praises the telescope's specifications, suggesting it is a respectable beginner scope capable of viewing various celestial objects.
  • Another participant inquires about using a specific guiding device with a non-Autostar equipped mount, leading to a confirmation of compatibility with certain telescopes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the usability of high magnification in telescopes, with some advocating for lower magnifications while others highlight the potential of the discussed telescope. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best practices for stargazing with the mentioned equipment.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about telescope specifications and the effects of light pollution on stargazing experiences. The conversation also reflects a dependency on individual experiences and definitions of telescope performance.

Who May Find This Useful

High school students interested in astronomy, beginner astronomers, and individuals seeking advice on stargazing equipment and techniques.

Ki Man
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I just got a 500x reflector on Thursday. Gazing is pretty hard though because I live in OC and there's a lot of light pollution so its hard to make out most things in the sky other than the moon. Any tips for a high schooler's stargazing?
 
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Lets see.
Does your telescope have any manufacturer name on it or any other information other than its a 500x scope.
If you are trying to observe at 500x magnification it will be almost impossible to find anything unless you know the sky very well. Try a lower power eyepiece. A large focal length eyepiece if you have one.

Telescopes which use magnification as a selling point are generally pretty rubbish. You can get a magnification of over x1000 out of a 60mm refractor if you have the right eyepieces this does not mean it is any use at that magnification and will most likely give a rubbish image.

Alex
 
More importantly what kind and size is it, I have a 13.1 inch dob and I mainly use the lowest power, about (52 X) as do most people. My first scope was a 3 inch sears retractor and the highest usable magnification was about 200 X and even that was pushing it.
I have the ability to go up to 800 X with my dob but have rarely used it.
You will probably rarely use 500 X.
 
Last edited:
He is probably referring to the focal length (500 mm) and confusing it with magnification.

Ki Man, is your scope a Celestron ExploraScope 100 or similar?
 
No, low end telescopes are generally advertised according to magnification. So that's probably really what it says.
 
:redface: its actually hard to tell since the box was oddly labeled and has been thrown away. It didn't really specify for me 500 what so i just had to fill in the blanks there. Low end but what I'm more concerned with now is getting the skills down first. Once I find myself a job over the summer and start making some money I'll try to upgrade, so this is sort of like learning with training wheels before getting on a real bike.

1000mm x 114mm and can be seen here
 
That's a quite respectable beginner scope. Good aperature, good focal ratio, and with a barlow, good versatility. You'll be able to see planets, bright nebulae and clusters, and maybe some bright galaxies with it.
 
Can you use a Meade DSI to guide a non-Autostar equipped mount?
 
Yes, I use my DSI to guide my Orion Atlas 11. People make special adapters to connect from USB to the guide port in most motorized telescopes.
 

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