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Some of the telescopes you can use are the Meade LX90-ACF, Celestron NexStar 5SE, Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm, and many more. These top-rated telescopes give you a great view of the moon’s craters and other features. They’re perfect for taking stunning photos and even making your own observations. There’s no limit to the wonders you can discover on the moon with a good telescope!
In this guide, we’ll look at the factors to consider when choosing a telescope for viewing the moon. We’ll also list our top picks that will give you amazing views of its terrain.
Top 14 telescopes for viewing the moon
It can be overwhelming to decide which telescope is best for viewing the moon. With so many choices, it can be difficult to know where to start.
To help you out, we’ve created a list of our top 14 telescopes perfect for lunar observation.
1. Celestron NexStar 8SE
The Celestron SE series is one of the most popular telescope lines for deep-sky exploration. They’re computerized and include many features, such as SkyAlign technology that helps you easily align your telescope with the night sky.
The Celestron NexStar 8SE is the largest of the SE series and has an 8-inch aperture. It has a focal length of 2032 mm, making it perfect for deep-sky objects like star clusters, galaxies, and nebulas.
The 8-inch aperture also provides enough light-gathering power to see details on the moon and planets. You can observe as far as Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s four Galilean moons, and deep sky objects like the Orion Nebula.
You’ll see remarkable detail and clarity when you use the Celestron NexStar 8SE to observe the moon. The motorized single fork arm Altazimuth mount makes it easy to maneuver the telescope.
With over 40,000 objects in its database, the moon is just the beginning of your deep space exploration. You can even attach a smartphone adapter to the telescope and capture stunning night sky photos.
It is easy to set up and use, making it ideal for beginners and advanced astronomers. Its compatibility with advanced astronomy software makes it perfect for observing even the faintest geographical features on the moon.
Celestron offers an unbeatable two-year warranty and lifetime technical support. You can be sure that your Celestron NexStar 8SE will be covered in case of any problems.
You may also like: Celestron NexStar 8SE Review (Planetary Telescope)
2. Meade LX90-ACF
The Meade LX90-ACF is a great option for deep space exploration. It is available in 8-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch aperture sizes. The 12-inch is the largest of the three and offers a diameter of 305mm and a focal length of 3048mm.
The 10-inch model has a 2500mm focal length, while the 8-inch has a focal length of 2000mm. The telescope has advanced features such as the AudioStar hand controller.
Meade’s Audiostar hand box controller offers a database of over 30,000 objects, including star clusters, galaxies, nebulas, and the moon. It has a built-in solar system alignment mode, which makes it easy to find and observe solar system objects.
The Meade LX90-ACF series have ultra-high transmission coatings (UHTC) for better light transmission. This means you can see deep sky objects in greater detail.
The LX90-ACF also includes a motorized Altazimuth mount for easy pointing and tracking. This makes it easy to move the telescope and follow solar system objects as they move across the night sky.
All the Meade LX90-ACF telescopes come with premium ACF (Advanced-Coma Free) optics. This design offers superior coma correction, eliminating the star blurring that can occur with other telescope designs.
Meade provides a two-year warranty and lifetime technical support for its LX90-ACF telescopes. They also have an extensive community of users who offer advice and tips.
3. Sky-Watcher EvoStar ProED 80mm
With an 80mm aperture and outstanding color correction, the Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm is a great choice for lunar observation. This model has a long 600mm focal length, which provides you with magnified views of solar system objects.
The Sky-Watcher ProED 80mm is a refractor telescope that uses a lens to gather light. This design provides excellent color correction and eliminates the star blurring that can occur with other telescope designs.
The telescope also includes a 2-inch Crayford focuser. It allows you to use a variety of eyepieces and accessories. The telescope comes with 5mm and 25mm eyepieces for wide field and high magnification views.
The ED glass lenses provide outstanding color correction and reduce chromatic aberration. The telescope also has an adjustable lens shade to reduce glare and improve image contrast.
The Sky-Watcher ProED series is coveted for its superior contrast, sharpness, and color fidelity. The optical tubes come with two tube rings and a green Vixen-style dovetail plate for easy attachments to compatible mounts.
It features a 2-inch dielectric diagonal and foam-lined aluminum case for safe transportation and storage. You can also upgrade the telescope with a motorized equatorial mount for tracking solar system objects as they move across the night sky.
The 80mm Sky-Watcher ProED telescope is compatible with various mounts, including the computerized Sky-Watcher’s EQM-35. We highly recommend this mount because it offers smooth and accurate tracking of solar system objects.
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4. Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST
The 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST is one of Orion’s most popular reflector telescopes for beginners. It has a 130mm aperture and 650mm focal length, making it ideal for viewing moon craters and galaxies.
The telescope comes with two 1.25-inch Sirius Plossl eyepieces (25mm and 10mm). The 25mm offers a magnification of 26x and a wide 52-degree apparent field of view. It yields excellent star images and allows you to see the moon’s surface in breathtaking detail.
The 10mm eyepiece provides a 65x magnification with a 52-degree apparent field of view. This is ideal for seeing galaxies and other night sky objects in greater detail.
Orion makes your experience more enjoyable by adding the DeepMap 600 and MoonMap 260 star chart software. These charts make it easier to locate deep-sky objects and the moon’s surface in the night sky.
The Orion SpaceProbe 130ST features a 6×30 finder scope for quick and easy star-hopping. The fast parabolic mirror provides sharp and clear images, while the sturdy equatorial mount ensures stable star-gazing.
The mount allows you to easily move the telescope and accurately track objects as they move across the night sky. The mount also comes with slow-motion controls for precision tracking of star clusters and galaxies.
The telescope has a total weight of 24.2 lbs making it lightweight and easy to transport. The Orion 09007 SpaceProbe 130ST also includes a smartphone adapter for taking pictures and videos through the telescope.
5. Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian
This Dobsonian telescope from Zhumell is a great choice for amateurs and experienced stargazers. It has an 8-inch aperture to give you stunning night sky views.
The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian telescope comes with two eyepieces. The 2-inch 30mm eyepiece is for wide field views, while the 1.25-inch 9mm eyepiece is for high magnification and detailed views of deep sky objects.
The telescope has a primary cooling fan to reduce thermal air currents and improve image quality. This ensures that you enjoy long and uninterrupted observations of the night sky.
The Zhumell Z8 Dobsonian telescope comes with a 10:1 dual-speed Crayford focuser for precise focusing. You can also attach a camera to the focuser with an optional T-ring adapter for astrophotography.
The telescope has an Altazimuth mount with an adjustable bearing system for smooth and accurate movement. This mount perfectly tracks stars and other objects on the moon’s surface.
The Zhumell Z8 Deluxe Dobsonian Telescope also includes a reflex finder scope for quick and easy navigation. The Dobsonian telescope comes with several accessories for effortless stargazing, including a laser collimator, eyepiece rack, and dust cover.
6. Celestron NexStar 5SE
The Celestron NexStar 5SE is one of the best reflector telescopes for beginners. It belongs to the Celestron NexStar SE series, some of the best-computerized reflector telescopes on the market.
The Celestron NexStar 5SE has a 5-inch aperture and a focal length of 1250 mm that guarantees clear and sharp images of the night sky. You can easily use the telescope to observe the moon, planets, and galaxies.
The NexStar 5SE has a focal ratio of f/10, which is fast enough for deep-sky observation. It can achieve a 50x magnification to view galaxies and other faint night sky objects.
It weighs only 27.6 lbs, making it one of the lightest computerized reflector telescopes on the market. Celestron also offers a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, a top-rated astronomy software, to make your stargazing experience more enjoyable.
The NexStar 5SE is designed for use with a computerized mount with over 40,000 objects in its database. This allows you to easily locate features on the moon and galaxies in the night sky.
The telescope has advanced features such as SkyAlign technology, GPS, and remote control. This allows you to get ready and start observing the night sky in minutes.
The signature “orange tube” reflector design of the Celestron NexStar SE series gives it a sleek and modern look. The telescope is also easy to set up and use, making it perfect for beginners and experienced stargazers alike.
One of the best things about the Nextar SE is that it is compatible with a wide range of Celestron accessories, including the StarSense AutoAlign and SkyPortal WiFi Module. You can use the telescope for visual and photography purposes with the right accessories.
When you buy from an authorized dealer, you get an unbeatable two-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support. The Celestron NexStar 5SE telescope is one of the best telescopes for deep sky and moon viewing. Its fully automated goto-mount makes it easy for beginners to get started.
Read the full review here: Celestron NexStar 5SE Telescope
7. Meade LX70 6″ Maksutov-Cassegrain
The Meade LX70 6″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope is one of the best reflector telescopes with an advanced Maksutov-Cassegrain design. Its 6-inch aperture and 1800mm focal length provide excellent light-gathering power, allowing you to observe faint galaxies easily.
The LX70 reflector telescope is ideal for lunar and planetary observation. It has a focal ratio of f/12, fast enough to capture details on the moon’s surface, such as mountains and craters.
Its long focal length also allows you to see galaxies, nebulae, and other deep sky objects with remarkable clarity.
The reflector telescope comes with a Vixen-style dovetail mount for smooth and effortless viewing. The mount is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust it to get the best view of your desired celestial objects.
The mount also accommodates any Meade or other brand reflector telescopes with a similar dovetail rail and a maximum 19.9 lb payload.
The reflector telescope is equipped with several accessories to make your stargazing experience even more enjoyable. These include 26 and 9-mm Plossl eyepieces for different magnification levels.
The 8 x 50 finderscope is also included for easy sky navigation and locating objects. The Meade LX70 6″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope also comes with an internal focuser to ensure precise and sharp images.
8. Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian
If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable reflector telescope, the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian is one of the best telescopes on the market with a large aperture. The XT8 reflector telescope has an 8-inch aperture, which is ideal for deep-sky observation.
With its 1219mm focal length, it has an f/5.9 focal ratio, which is perfect for moon viewing. The telescope’s large primary mirror collects a lot of light, allowing you to see faint details on the moon’s surface.
The Dobsonian design of this reflector telescope makes it easy to set up and use. It has an ultra-stable base with adjustable altitude tension knobs and an azimuth-adjustment knob.
The telescope is equipped with a 2-inch Crayford focuser that accepts 1.25 and 2-inch telescope eyepieces. It also has a 25mm Sirius Plossl eyepiece, which provides 48x magnification.
With its large field of view, the XT8 Classic Dobsonian is best for observing the moon and other celestial objects. It’s also easy to transport, making it perfect for backyard stargazing or camping trips.
The Orion SkyQuest XT8 Classic Dobsonian features an EZ Finder II reflex sight that accurately locates objects in the sky. Once the EZ Finder is properly aligned with the telescope, just place it on the object you want to observe and move it until the red dot is centered on your target.
Read also: Orion SkyQuest XT8 Review (#1 Beginner Telescope)
9. Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor is a 4.3-pound telescope designed for medium and high-power planetary observing. It features a 72mm aperture, a focal length of 420mm, and an f/5.9 focal ratio, making it perfect for observing the moon and other planets.
This refractor telescope is the smallest among the EvoStar series. However, this does not mean it lacks in performance. It has a high-quality doublet objective lens, including one synthetic fluorite element, that produces crisp and clear images of the moon’s features.
Its fast focal ratio lets you capture the lunar surface’s details, such as craters, mountains, and other features. It also produces sharp images of other celestial bodies, such as planets and galaxies.
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor features a 2-inch Crayford focuser with a 10:1 fine focus for precise focusing. It is made using the finest quality glass and proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) for optimum image quality and color correction.
Due to its size, this refractor telescope is best suited for backyard stargazing and lunar observing. With its lightweight design, it is also easy to transport, making it an ideal telescope for portable use.
All EvoStar telescopes consist of two tube rings and a dovetail mounting plate for secure attachment to a mount. The telescope is compatible with the Sky-Watcher HEQ5, a fully computerized goto mount, for automated sky tracking.
10. Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Newtonian Telescope
If you are looking for a powerful, stationary telescope, this 76.9-pound Celestron telescope is your best option. It features a 6-inch optical tube assembly with a focal length of 750mm and an f/5 focal ratio.
This telescope is best for observing the moon and other faint objects, such as galaxies and nebulae. The Newtonian design offers a wide field of view, allowing you to observe large portions of the night sky simultaneously.
The large 6-inch aperture of this telescope collects more light than smaller telescopes, giving you brighter and sharper images. The telescope also has permanently programmable Periodic Error Correction that eliminates periodic tracking errors, ensuring accuracy and precision.
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Newtonian Telescope has a heavy-duty stainless steel tripod for increased stability and vibration reduction. The equatorial mount is equipped with dual-axis slow-motion controls for accurate tracking of celestial objects and manual fine-tuning.
This telescope has a parabolic primary mirror which minimizes aberrations and increases the clarity of images. The optical tube assembly is also made using quality aluminum for better thermal protection and reduced diffraction.
The Celestron Advanced VX 6″ Newtonian Telescope is best for backyard stargazers and serious lunar observers. With its large aperture, sophisticated computerized mount, and advanced features, you can explore the night sky like never before.
Read also: Is Celestron a Good Telescope Brand? (Read This First!)
11. Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope
Gysker is well known for offering a wide range of telescopes, and the 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is no exception. This telescope has a 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length, making it ideal for observing the moon and other planets.
It has high-power eyepieces that provide a magnification range from 24x to 120x. They produce crisp images of the moon’s features and other celestial bodies.
The telescope also has a 6×30 finderscope for easy object location. The 3x Barlow lens can increase the magnification of images to a maximum of 360x.
The optical tube is made of aluminum and is anodized for improved performance and durability. It features coated antireflection blue film components that minimize aberrations and distortions for clear images with natural colors.
This telescope has an AZ Altazimuth mount with an adjustable aluminum tripod for stability and portability. The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope has a mounting knob and safety screw in place for secure attachment to the mount.
You can set the adjustable tripod legs at different heights and angles for more comfortable viewing. This telescope also has an adjustable tension clutch for smooth azimuth movement.
The Gskyer 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope is ideal for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers, allowing them to explore the night sky easily. With its quality optics and adjustable mount, you can view the moon in all its glory.
12. Hexeum 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope
If you are looking for a telescope with a wireless control system, the Hexeum 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope will be right up your alley. This telescope has a wireless remote control that instantly lets you locate celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy.
The telescope has an 80mm aperture, 600mm focal length, and f/6.7 focal ratio. It features high-quality optics and lens coatings that enhance image clarity and brightness.
The telescope has two quality eyepieces – 10mm and 25mm. They provide a magnification range of 24x to 60x. You can also use the 3x Barlow lens to treble the magnification up to 72x or 180x.
The Hexeum 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope has a 5×24 finder scope to locate objects in the sky quickly. It also has an adjustable tension clutch for smooth azimuth movement and a mounting knob for secure attachment to the mount.
The Hexeum 80mm Aperture 600mm – Astronomical Portable Refracting Telescope is easy to set up and use and is perfect for those just starting out in astronomy. This compact telescope is lightweight, making it ideal for traveling.
It comes with a smartphone adapter, allowing you to capture night sky images and share them with friends. You can easily find and observe many objects with the wireless remote control.
13. Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope
Entry-level astronomers looking for a compact grab-and-go telescope should consider the Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope. This telescope has a 4.5-inch aperture and 500mm focal length, making it ideal for viewing the moon and other planets.
This telescope has two quality eyepieces – 10mm and 20mm. They provide a magnification range of 22.5x to 45x, perfect for exploring the moon’s features and other celestial bodies.
The Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope has a stable altazimuth mount with a low-profile swivel base and adjustable tripod legs for convenient and comfortable viewing. The EZ Finder II aiming device helps you quickly align the telescope with stars and other objects.
The Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope is portable as it stands at just 21 inches tall and weighs 10.9 lbs. It is easy to set up, making it the perfect beginner telescope for curious kids and adults.
It comes with additional accessories such as a glare-reducing Moon filter, an eyepiece rack, and Orion’s MoonMap 260 to help you identify stars and other objects in the night sky.
The Orion 10015 StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope also has a stable tabletop base for any flat surface. This telescope is the perfect way to introduce yourself and your family to the wonders of astronomy.
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14. ToyerBee 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescopes for Astronomy Beginners
This 70mm aperture refractor telescope from ToyerBee is perfect for beginning stargazers. It has a 300mm focal providing a maximum magnification of 150x, allowing you to observe the moon’s features.
This telescope has an adjustable full-size aluminum tripod that provides maximum stability during observation. It also has a smartphone adapter, allowing you to capture sky images and share them with friends.
The ToyerBee 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescope has two eyepieces – 20mm and 6mm. They provide maximum magnifications of 15x and 50x, respectively. It has a 3x Barlow lens can triple the magnification to a maximum of 150x.
This telescope is easy to set up and use. It has a reflex finder scope for easy alignment and a rack and pinion focuser for sharp, clear views.
If you want to control your telescope from a distance, the telescope has a wireless camera remote. You can take pictures and videos of celestial objects with your smartphone and then share them on social media.
The ToyerBee 70mm Aperture Astronomical Refractor Telescope is perfect for those just starting out in astronomy. It comes with a 3-year warranty, so you can be sure it will last long enough for years of exploration.
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Factors to consider when purchasing a telescope for moon viewing
A telescope has several components that affect its performance. They determine how much light it can gather and the level of detail you can see. Your choice will depend on how far you want to see into the lunar landscape and what features you want to focus on.
Let us look at some of the factors to consider when choosing a telescope for moon viewing:
Optical quality
The quality of the optical components, such as glass and mirrors, determines how clear and sharp an image can be. The better the quality, the more detail you can make out in your observations.
If your telescope has a low-quality optical system, it will produce an image that is blurry and distorted. Look for telescopes with superior optics for the best results.
The optical quality depends on various factors, including the lens size and quality of the glass used. The larger the lenses, the more light they can gather and thus provide a sharper view.
Magnification
How much magnification a telescope can provide determines how far you can see into the lunar landscape. The more you zoom in, the deeper you’ll be able to explore the moon and its features.
However, magnification might be the most confusing factor for beginners since it has little to do with optical quality. It is not a primary consideration since too much of it can distort your image.
Most telescopes provide an unlimited range of magnification. It all depends on the eyepiece you use. You can also use a Barlow lens to boost the magnification of your telescope.
Barlow lenses are affordable. The Celestron Omni 2X Barlow Lens is a good option. It will double your telescope’s magnification and can fit into 1.25-inch focusers and diagonals, and accepts all 1.25-inch eyepieces.
How much magnification power you can get depends on the aperture and atmospheric conditions. If you live in an area with a lot of light pollution, you may not be able to get very high magnifications.
A good rule of thumb is that a telescope’s ideal magnification is 50x the aperture size in inches or twice the aperture size in millimeters. For example, a telescope with an aperture of 90 mm should have an ideal magnification of 180x or 1800x for best results.
Aperture
The aperture is one of the most important factors in determining your telescope’s performance. It refers to the size of the objective lens or mirror and determines how much light your telescope can gather.
The aperture determines your telescope’s light-gathering power and resolution. Light-gathering power affects how bright an image is, and resolution affects the level of detail you can make out.
Generally, larger apertures provide brighter and sharper images. To make out the smallest moon details, you should look for telescopes with larger aperture sizes. You can find telescopes with apertures up to 300mm or even more.
One of the telescopes with a large aperture is the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300 Dobsonian 12-inch Collapsible Large Aperture Telescope. It offers a generous 305mm aperture and a focal length of 1500mm, giving you excellent views of the lunar surface.
Stability and mount
You need a stable platform and mount to get the most out of your telescope. It should be sturdy enough to keep the telescope in place even when you adjust the focus.
The mount should also be easy to move and rotate to follow the moon across the sky. The equatorial mount is the most common type in most telescopes. They allow you to track the motion of celestial bodies and make small adjustments as needed.
Robotic GoTo mounts are also a good option if you want to find celestial objects quickly and track them accurately. Most computerized GoTo mounts can be programmed with lunar coordinates, making them a great choice for lunar observation.
The Celestron CGEM II Computerized German Type Motorized Equatorial Mount with Tripod is our top pick computerized mount for lunar observation. It offers a database of more than 40,000 celestial objects and has easy-to-use software that will make tracking the moon easier.
Ease of use
The easier a telescope is to use, the more enjoyable your lunar exploration will be. Look for telescopes with intuitive controls and user-friendly features that you can learn quickly.
A good telescope should also be easy to set up and take down. The fewer pieces you have to assemble, the better. Telescopes with collapsible parts or quick-release components are usually the most convenient.
Telescopes with automated features are taking the guesswork out of the equation. Computerized GoTo mounts allow you to point your telescope in the right direction at the push of a button.
You should also consider the telescope’s weight and size. Smaller telescopes are easier to transport but may not have the same power as larger models.
However, you can get a small telescope with excellent performance, such as the Celestron NexStar 6SE Computerized Telescope. It has a 150mm aperture and a 1500mm focal length while weighing only 21 pounds.
Price
Quality telescopes can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The price will depend on the size, design, and features you choose.
For example, a telescope with a larger aperture, automated GoTo mount, and sophisticated optics will cost more than a basic model. You may also need to purchase additional accessories such as eyepieces, filters, and tripods.
When it comes to moon viewing, you get what you pay for. Investing in a good telescope will give you excellent performance and results.
Quality of included accessories
A telescope is only as good as its accompanying accessories. Many telescopes come with basic eyepieces, but you may want to consider investing in higher-quality ones.
The same goes for other accessories, such as filters, diagonals, and mounts. Look for telescopes with quality accessories that will give you the best performance.
When starting moon observation, you want to ensure you have the right telescope accessories. This will include, at a minimum, a good-quality eyepiece, a Barlow lens, and filters. A Barlow lens is an important accessory as it allows you to increase the magnification of your telescope.
Filters are great for blocking unwanted light, allowing you to view fainter objects. You may also encounter misalignment, which you can correct through collimation. Most telescopes come with a collimation cap, which aligns the optics.
If you want to take pictures of the moon with your smartphone, look for a telescope with a smartphone adapter. The adapter allows you to attach your phone to the eyepiece and take photos of what you see through the telescope.
Our top pick telescope with a smartphone adapter is the Celestron 31051 AstroMaster 130EQ MD Telescope with Basic Smartphone Adapter of 1.25″. It has a 130mm aperture and a motor drive for automated tracking.
Portability
If you plan on taking your telescope outdoors, portability is a major factor to consider. Telescopes with collapsible parts are usually the most convenient for travel.
Decades ago, a quality telescope was large, bulky, and heavy. It had to be mounted in a permanent location and was difficult to move.
Nowadays, you can get a powerful telescope that is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. You can take it with you for stargazing or lunar observation and pack it away quickly.
The Sky-Watcher EvoStar 72 APO Doublet Refractor is a compact telescope with a 72 mm aperture and 420 mm focal length. It weighs only 4.3 pounds, making it ideal for those who want to tinker with astrophotography or deep sky exploration.
Warranty
A good telescope should have a warranty covering material and workmanship defects. Warranties that are at least one year long offer the most protection.
You should also check the company’s reputation and reviews to ensure you buy from a reputable source. Some of the most reputable telescope brands include Meade, Celestron, Sky-Watcher, and Orion. They offer excellent customer support and provide telescope warranties with a minimum of one year.
For example, Orion offers a one-year warranty on all its telescopes, including one of their most affordable, the Orion StarBlast II 4.5 Equatorial Reflector Telescope. They also provide unlimited technical support for their products.
Read the warranty details carefully before making a purchase. That way, you can rest assured that your telescope will be covered in case of any issues.
You should also consider the customer service and support of the telescope manufacturer. Good customer service will ensure that any problems with your telescope can be addressed promptly.
What views can be expected from a moon telescope?
Moon telescopes are best for viewing the details on the lunar surface, such as craters, mountains, and other features. You can also use them to observe other celestial bodies, such as planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
With the right telescope, you can view the moon in incredible detail and observe the features on its surface. Let us look at the views you can expect from a moon telescope.
Lunar craters and valleys
Lunar craters are the most visible features on the moon’s surface. They are caused by impact cratering, where meteorites or comets hit the moon’s surface and create a crater.
The largest craters can be up to 250 miles in diameter and can be seen through a telescope. The number of craters and valleys indicates the age of the lunar surface, with older surfaces having more craters than younger surfaces.
A telescope can reveal the subtle details of these lunar craters, such as their shapes and sizes. In addition, you can also observe the valleys and rilles (long, narrow channels) present on the moon’s surface.
Mountains ranges
The moon has many mountain ranges, some as tall as 12 miles. With the right telescope, you can observe these peaks and valleys with incredible detail.
You can see the gradual changes in altitude and the subtle shadows cast by the mountains during different phases of the moon. You can even see the various features of the mountains, such as craters, fissures, and landslides.
The moon is also home to dormant volcanoes, which you can observe with a telescope with a large aperture. The best view of these volcanoes is during the Full Moon when the shadows are best captured.
Lunar maria (dark regions)
The dark regions of the moon, known as maria, were caused by huge asteroids crashing into the moon’s surface. They left behind huge craters filled with lava, resulting in dark patches.
These maria can be seen on the moon’s nearside, and they appear darker than the surrounding areas. A telescope can reveal the subtle details of these dark regions, such as their shapes and sizes.
You can also observe their various features, such as ridges and valleys. A quality telescope can also reveal the changes in the maria over time, such as their fading or brightening.
Lunar eclipses
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow over the lunar surface. During an eclipse, you can observe the shadow cast by the Earth on the moon’s surface.
Every year, there are zero to three lunar eclipses, and you can observe these celestial events up close with a telescope. You can also use your telescope to capture the best views of lunar eclipses, such as the reddish glow caused by the Earth’s atmosphere.
Even with a budget telescope, you can still view the best features on the moon’s surface. The lunar eclipse does not require a powerful telescope; you can capture the best views with a small aperture.
Lunar phases
Lunar phases refer to the moon’s changing appearance as it orbits around Earth. It goes through eight phases, from the new to the full Moon.
You can observe these changing phases with a telescope and capture the best views of the moon’s surface during each phase. The best view can be seen with a computerized telescope, which tracks the moon and adjusts its settings to capture the lunar phases best.
The moon’s position changes as it moves around the Earth. The best views of its features can be seen during different phases. A computerized telescope can track the best phases for viewing and adjust its settings accordingly.
Shadows cast by craters and mountains
Craters and mountains on the moon’s surface cast shadows on the lunar surface. They appear as dark patches that contrast with the brighter regions of the moon.
You can clearly see these shadows with a good-quality telescope. The aperture of the best telescope should be at least 8 inches to capture these shadows best.
Some of the moon’s mountains have shadows stretching miles across the surface. They appear best during the full moon, and a computerized telescope can automatically adjust its settings to capture these best.
Detailed view of the moon’s surface features
The moon’s surface is full of craters from meteorites, mountains, and lunar maria. It also has features, such as ridges and valleys, that you can see best with a telescope.
A powerful telescope can reveal these features in great detail, with the best view coming from a telescope with a large aperture. You can easily capture intricate details such as the shape of craters and mountains, the pattern of ridges, and even changes in the maria over time.
A budget or a small aperture telescope can also allow you to view some of the moon’s surface features. However, you may not be able to capture the detailed views that a large-aperture telescope can offer.
Takeaway: Choose a quality telescope and start exploring the moon!
There are many features on the moon’s surface that you can view best with a telescope. Choosing the best telescope for your needs will depend on your budget, desired features, and the views you want to capture.
If you’re looking to explore the moon up close, getting a quality telescope with an aperture of at least 8 inches will be your best option. With the right telescope, you can capture intricate details such as the shape of craters and mountains, the pattern of ridges, and changes in the maria over time.
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