STARRY NIGHTS
by Gary Boyle

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Optics Under The Tree

With the Christmas Season well upon us, what amateur astronomer wouldn’t like a new telescope under the tree? Purchasing a scope for that special someone or for yourself is like buying a car. With so many makes and models to choose from, as well as some hefty price tags, how can one make the right decision? First of all, are you are buying for a child or a newcomer to the hobby; you might want to consider giving binoculars and a good set of sky charts instead. A good set of charts will last forever. I have had the same set for some 35 years. Low power binoculars are ideal for viewing large portions of celestial real estate. It is also an excellent way for the new astronomer to learn the constellations thus getting familiar with the night sky.

Start with a pair of 7X35 wide angle binoculars. These give a nice wide field magnifying only 7 times, but under a blanket of stars in a moonless country setting away from stray lights, the eyepieces fill with hundreds of distant suns. Wide angle glasses gives that floating feeling.

However if a telescope is a must, check out your local astronomy club for advice. Amateur astronomers love to talk about the night sky and some even love to talk more about their instruments. One step better is to consult the local Yellow Pages for a telescope dealer near you. I often urge people to stay away from small refractors sold at department and big box stores. The $200 or so price might seem reasonable but these scopes might show the Moon and that is about it. On top of the average optics, the mount is very flimsy – you need something solid. Some times the sales person (through no fault of they own) are unable to answer specific questions on telescopes and astronomy in general.

A decent telescope with good optics as well as a range of sharp magnification will be found in the $500.00 range. Here in Ottawa, might I suggest Focus Scientific located on Merivale Road. Here is an astronomer’s haven. They have numerous telescopes and accessories, binoculars, sky charts and books. Even more valuable is the courteous staff. They will listen to your needs and advise you on the best purchase.

There are three flavours of telescope design on the market. The classic refractor has a long tube with the objective lens on the top end and the eyepiece on the bottom. Refractors are good for very bright objects such as the Moon, bright planets, star colour and the Sun with a certified solar filter on it. Next is the reflecting telescope which gathers light on a curved mirror. Reflectors are common with amateur astronomers and are good value for you hard earned dollar if you stay with a non-motorized mount called a Dobsonian mount. Motorized models double the price. I have an eight inch reflector on a Dobsonian mount that I have owned for the past twenty-eight years. I have seen hundreds of object from lunar craters planets to sun spots to galaxies million of light years away. Last but not least is the Schmidt Cassegrain design. This scope is regarded as a research quality instrument with computer built in. This unit can cost big bucks.

There are too many good makes and models to recommend in this article. So, whether it is a telescope of binoculars, the night sky awaits and you will not be disappointed with Mother Nature’s greatest show. Best of luck with your choice.

The next Ottawa Centre monthly meeting open to the general public will take place on Friday January 6, 2006 at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. This free meeting lasts from 8 to 10 p.m. Three or four mini lectures are presented by members along with a professional talk.

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

Clear skies
Gary Boyle
garyboyle@sympatico.ca

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