Telescope Beginner Tips (VIDEO)



If it’s your first time buying a telescope or a modernized model, then this guide is here to teach you all about getting the most out of your purchase.



From picking between computerized and classic models to finding a telescope for your kids, keep reading below to learn which model is perfect for you.



Computerized or Classic

Thanks to modern-day technology, we now have the choice to automate our telescopes. This gives you a choice between picking a classic telescope or a computerized one that finds objects for you.



Classic Telescopes



If you’ve used a telescope before or want to learn how to find interesting objects by star maps or coordinates, a classic telescope is wonderful. Using a classic telescope can be great if you don’t want to pay for the extra features.



Computerized Telescopes



Computerized telescopes can help first-time beginners quickly locate attractions in the sky. Just let your telescope know what you’re looking for, and you will be assisted in finding the perfect view. You can also choose to manually find objects instead of relying on the computer.



Telescope Viewing For Beginners

Using a telescope can be a tricky business as many popular viewing areas actually inhibit your telescope. Below we let you know the effects different areas have on the use of your telescope. This guide will help you pick the perfect spot to set your telescope.



Stay Away From Buildings



Buildings, roads, and sidewalks all release heat at night, which can interfere with the clarity of your telescope. Try to use your telescope in a clear area where there are no obstructions. This includes your house, driveway, and outdoor buildings commonly placed in yards.



How To Observe Through a Window



Just like with other structures, the heat coming off or from within your house can change the clarity of your telescope. It’s best to view your telescope through a closed window if you can’t go outside. Be aware that while this will be better for clarity, many windows will make viewing the sky at angle difficult.



Deck Use



Another popular spot for telescope use in on a deck. Sadly, decks also off-put heat, and wood tends to carry the vibrations of movement that happens on top of it. This can cause your telescope lens to move each time you take a step.



Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust



Just like when you turn the lights off at night, you need time for your eyes to adjust before you can view things in a telescope clearly. Wait to your eyes are fully adjusted to the dark before trying to look at the night sky.



Keep it on the Ground



To have the best viewing experience, make sure your telescope is touching the ground. By this, we mean the grass, dirt, or rocks that naturally occur in nature. By using the ground, you can avoid vibrations and heat.



Telescope Tips For Kids

If your little one is as interested in viewing the stars as you are, then a telescope can be a wonderful tool for education. These are some of the best tips for giving your kids a proper star viewing experience.

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Provide Adult Supervision



‍The most important part of kid-friendly telescope use is supervision. Most kids don’t realize how to use a telescope at first, much less the fact that looking directly at the moon can damage their eyes.

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Should You Buy Another Telescope



‍As long as you picked a durable model, your kids should be able to use your telescope just fine under supervision. If you feel like your child may be to rough on your telescope or have a toddler, then buying a kid-friendly telescope may be best.

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Provide a Stool or Adjust The telescope



‍Your child may struggle to look through the telescope if possible adjust the telescope to their height. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy child stool to give them a boost.

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The Hands-on Approach

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‍Give your kids a course on how to use the telescope. Let them fiddle with the settings and advise them on how to find targets and then adjust the scope to make them clearer. Supervised hands-on experience will get your child use to stargazing.

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Provide Education Materials



‍Use the internet or books to show your kids interesting objects in the sky. When your child picks out an object they would like to see, then help them hone in on it with the telescope. This can be a great chance to teach them the names of constellations.



Telescope Maintenance Tips

To keep your Telescope in tip-top shape, you will need to do some proper maintenance and take steps to keep it safe. Below are some quick tips for keeping your Telescope in good condition.

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Cleaning Your Telescope



‍You will need to occasionally wipe down your telescope to make sure the lens stays in great condition. Use a lens safer cleaner and soft wipe to do this to avoid scratching your lens. A soft cloth can also be used to wipe away the fog from the lens.

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Telescope Use in and After the Rain



‍Like many other tools, a telescope can be damaged by rain or water. If you plan to use your telescope when the weather is calling for rain, then bring a tarp to keep it dry. If it’s already rained, use wooden blocks to keep from using your telescope on the mushy ground.

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Repairing a Broken Telescope



‍Depending on the company and lens, you may be able to order in parts to repair your telescope. You will want to seek help from the manual or company before taking your telescope apart for the first time. If you’re not handy, then look online for shops that work on telescopes.

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Where to Store Your Telescope



‍Once you're done using your telescope, remember to bring it in for the night or cover it up. Make sure to check the weather if you cover it with a tarp to make sure there won’t be any storms or snow.

