Telescope Basics & understanding them

Image credit Ryan Wick

A series of videos that provides an overview of what beginners to amateur astronomy need to know in order to better understand telescopes and telescope equipment. From the kinds of telescopes out there, to calculating magnification, focal ratio to what eyepieces are available (and more!), this series will help the newbie to astronomy gain a better grasp on what questions they should ask when looking for a telescope or understanding what accessories they may wish to acquire to enhance the telescope they have now.

Check out the Eyes On The Sky website at eyesonthesky.com and YouTube Channel .

Top 3 Telescopes Types, Explained: Telescope Basics 1 of 6

Hosted by David Fuller of "Eyes on the Sky," this video covers the the three basic types of amateur astronomy telescopes: Refractors, reflectors and compound telescopes. It gives an overview of each one, as well as comparing and contrasting the advantages and disadvantages of each type of design. An excellent primer for anyone wanting to understand more about telescopes. #withcaptions

Telescope Basics 2 (of 6): Learn to calculate magnification for a telescope/understand focal ratios

Hosted by David Fuller of "Eyes on the Sky," this video discusses the basics of telescope magnification and focal ratio. Each concept is covered, guiding the viewer through how to calculate magnification of a telescope and eyepiece combination, and how to determine the focal ratio of a given telescope. An excellent primer for anyone wanting to understand more about telescopes. #withcaptions

Telescope Basics 3 (of 6): Understanding common eyepieces for telescopes

Hosted by David Fuller of "Eyes on the Sky," this video goes over the various sizes and types of basic eyepieces for many amateur telescopes. The three most common eyepiece barrel diameters are discussed, as well as the types of lens configurations which determine how well the eyepiece forms an image for the user - including the concept of eye relief which can matter a lot to those who wear eyeglasses. Discussed are Huygens, Ramsden, Kellner, RKE, Modified Achromat, Plossl and some advanced designs, plus some information about anti-reflection coatings. An excellent primer for anyone wanting to understand more about telescope eyepieces. #withcaptions

Field of View, explained for telescopes (both telescopic and apparent) - Telescope Basics 4 of 6

This video about the basics of telescopes discusses field of view, in particular, the difference between apparent field of view (AFOV) and telescopic field of view (TFOV). With an explanation of the math used to calculate these plus various examples of the calculations and visuals, the viewer can finish this video with a more complete understanding of this concept that is often confusing to beginning amateur astronomers who are new to telescopes.

Telescope Basics 5 (of 6): Learn the basics about barlow lenses for telescopes

Barlow lenses are an inexpensive - and often effective - way to increase the magnification and eyepiece collection of amateur astronomers. In this video, David Fuller of "Eyes on the Sky" takes the viewer through the various types, caveats and benefits with using them, as well as what to look for when shopping for one. #withcaptions

Align your finderscope and the various types of them: Telescope Basics 6 of 6

New telescopes come with a couple different types of inexpensive finders - magnifying and non-magnifying ones. In this video, David Fuller of "Eyes on the Sky" takes the viewer through the various types of basic finders, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each so the viewer can make a better educated decision when purchasing a new telescope. Also covered is how to align a finderscope with the main telescope, with a visual demonstration of how it might look for the viewer. #withcaptions

Telescope Basics & understanding them

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