Gear – Page 6 – Telescope Boss

Why Do I Need My Scope to Cool Down? (Acclimate to ambient temperature)

When you are first starting to observe, you may find that you are having trouble seeing in the night sky. One major cause of poor seeing is dew on your primary and secondary mirrors or eyepieces. When metal and glass are brought outside into a very different temperature, they are quickly covered in condensation from…

Does It Matter If My Telescope Is Level? Handy Guide to Telescope Setup

Telescope mounts are generally either solid or tripod style. The way they sit on the group is different depending on your mount. When observing with a telescope is it important that the mount is stable, that it does not wobble or move when you are observing, however it is not necessary for it to be…

What To Look For When Buying a Used Telescope: A Helpful Guide

Buying a used telescope is not that difficult. You just need to know what to look for. When buying a used telescope, buy from another astronomer, check the mechanical parts, and be sure to look at the glass. Note the overall condition, dents and paint chips, as they may indicate how well the owner has…

How Many Eyepieces Are Enough? (and how many should you own)

Eyepieces are fun to buy. When you start looking at telescopes and eyepieces it can be really tempting to buy all of them. This will only slow down your learning. You can enjoy astronomy with a single eyepiece. 3 or 4 will likely meet 90% of your needs. Large eyepiece collections can be a distraction…

Can I Use Hot Hands for Dew Control? Experiment with Pictures

A dew heater may not have been on your original shopping list. If you find that you need a way to control dew on your new scope you may want to try Hot Hands. Hot Hands are packets of chemicals that emit heat when exposed to air. They heat to temperatures around 130 degrees fahrenheit….

Do I Need an Observing Chair? The Key to Comfortable Observing

I had a 10 inch Dobsonian for a few months before I invested in my observing chair. I spent some time considering my options. Serious amature astronomers should get a highly adjustable observing chair. There are several available to purchase, but you can also build your own or try using a seat you already have….