When it comes to telescopes, Orion produces a number of different lines, each aimed at a slightly different corner of the market. The SkyQuest (and more recently, the SkyLine) range has been their flagship Dobsonian for some time, and has always been a best-seller. However, no scope is perfect, so we turned our eyes to […]
Celestron is arguably the best-known manufacturer of telescopic equipment in the world and produces a wide range of scopes to suit all ages and levels of experience. A number of these are designed for both beginners and younger astronomers – and chief among these is the Celestron FirstScope. If you’re looking for your first scope, […]
You can go outside on any night and stare at the stars, but nothing beats bringing them closer through a telescope. Whether it’s for yourself, a loved one or the family as a whole, a telescope probably seems like something of a must-have item, but you might be concerned about the cost or quality. Our […]
Sky-Watcher was founded in 1999 with the goal of producing a high-quality instrument at an affordable price. Their Heritage 130 Tabletop Dobsonian telescope has been designed to combine portability with aperture, while still providing views that wow. We put it through the wringer to see how well it fared. Our Score for the Sky-Watcher Heritage […]
It wasn’t too long ago that you’d be forgiven if you’d never heard of Zhumell. While popular companies such as Celestron, Meade and Orion have always dominated the amateur astronomy market, in recent years a few competitors have appeared to challenge them. One of those is Zhumell, but are their telescopes up to the task, […]
Most telescopes are designed for either astronomical or terrestrial use, with the latter having an additional lens to ensure the image appears upright. Unfortunately, the additional lens can deteriorate the image quality, which is why astronomical telescopes typically produce an inverted image. But what if there was a telescope that allowed you to do both […]
If you’re just getting started in astronomy, you may have been advised to get acquainted with binoculars before making the big leap to a telescope. With most amateur astronomers preferring a magnification of at least 10x, it’s a good idea to start with an inexpensive option that can also be used for other daytime activities. […]
One of the great things about binoculars is their versatility. Being much smaller and lighter than a telescope, you can take them anywhere and use them for a multitude of different activities, such as birding and astronomy. Orion, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of optical equipment, have specifically designed their Scenix range of binoculars […]
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars were founded in 1975 and have built and maintained a reputation for affordable quality equipment. While many of their products are also suitable for general outdoor activities, it’s their astronomical binoculars and telescopes that form the bedrock of their reputation. Will the Orion Astronomy 15×70 Binoculars live up to the standard […]
With a seemingly limitless selection of binoculars on the market, it can be confusing trying to pick the right ones. Should you choose roof prisms or the more traditional porro prisms? Which binoculars are best for both astronomy and daytime use? Opticron, a family-owned British company with over fifty years of experience, have designed their […]
If you’re one of the millions of people who enjoy camping and looking up at the stars, then Celestron may have the perfect telescope for you. The Celestron Travel Scope 80 has been designed to be as lightweight and portable as possible, without making any sacrifices in quality. Have Celestron achieved their goal, or is […]
Astronomy binoculars are a must-have item for anyone with a passion for outdoor activities like stargazing. They can also come in handy when sightseeing, watching sporting events, attending concerts, and more. Our astronomy expert, Richard J. Bartlett, reviewed dozens of binoculars for stargazing to identify the best of the best, based on factors such as […]
Binoculars are the ultimate grab ‘n go observational tool. When there’s a brief break in the clouds and the stars can momentarily be seen, binoculars are readily available to dive deeper into that cosmic ocean. Some observers simply prefer them over a telescope; they’re relatively inexpensive, portable, and can allow amateurs of almost any experience […]
Realistically, you should budget between $75 and $250 for your first telescope. Continue reading for more on how much a good telescope should cost… If you’re in the market for a good scope, you’re probably wondering about the cost. You may be worried that astronomical equipment is expensive and that a decent scope could be […]
If you’ve never owned or used a telescope before, it might seem a little daunting. Maybe you’ve already bought one and are excited to get started. (If you’re still searching, check out our guide on buying your first telescope for some great tips and learn how much you can expect to pay for a good […]
Almost everyone will stop and stare at the stars, and while some will simply walk on by, others will take their interest a little further. If you’re one of those folks, buying a telescope probably seems like the next logical step. If you’re about to buy your first telescope, there are some important things you […]
6 Best Astronomy Tools for Observing the Night Sky
Are you constantly on the lookout to impress your friends with mind-blowing scientific discoveries? Look no further – this selection of 25 of the coolest facts about astronomy is sure to amaze professionals and astronomy enthusiasts alike. You’ll learn the real reason behind the darkness of the night sky, discover the farthest place visible to […]
If you’ve ever relaxed outdoors on a night with clear skies, you’ve gotten a glimpse of the wonders of the universe, but there’s so much more to see. If you appreciate a beautiful starry sky or are fascinated by the mysteries of distant galaxies, stars, and planets, stargazing is an incredibly satisfying hobby. Here’s everything […]
So, you’ve decided to set aside more time to spend with your children. What’s an activity that would harness their curiosity, imagination, and a sense of shared exploration and discovery? Look no further than as far as you can look. Astronomy for kids is a fun and educational pastime you’ll both enjoy. Children learn more […]
