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The Computerized Go-to Telescope

New telescope owners thrill at their first looks of the moon, Jupiter and Saturn. Soonthough, the shine dims on that new telescope because, well, it is really hard to find much of anything in the night sky if the object isn't really bright. Wouldn't it be nice to just push a button and have the telescope simply go to all those dim, mysterious objects?
Now you can. Thanks to advancements in the world of computers, telescopes are now available that can hunt down and track thousands of objects by just entering a number. For a fairly reasonable investment, the universe can be at your finger-tips. You can find these incredible instruments at department stores everywhere this Christmas season.
Does this sound too good to true? Is it just a gimmick that won't really live up to its promise? Computerized telescopes have been around for years and have long served as a major tool of the professional astronomer. Only recently has the technology filtered down to the amateur astronomer, and now to the general consumer. There is no question that they actually work, and work very well. But there are a few things one must be aware of before plunking down a few hundred dollars.
The basic function of a telescope is to gather light and concentrate it to a small point where the image can be magnified with an eyepiece. The technology that accomplishes this has been around since the early 1600's. Telescopes use lenses to refract light, or mirrors to reflect light. Their performance is based nearly entirely on their size. Bigger telescopes gather more light, or information, that can be magnified. Small telescopes work only on bright objects.
Does a computer help the situation? The information on the box cover may say it can locate 10,000 objects. And it probably can. Unfortunately, if the telescope has a small mirror or lens, you will only actually see less than 100 of them. What is small? According to Doug McCarty, astronomy instructor and planetarium director at Mt. Hood Community College, a reflecting telescope less than 5 inches (127mm) diameter, or refractor smaller than 3 inches (80mm), is small. Small telescopes still work very well on the moon, planets, and many bright objects, but it is pretty easy to find the moon without a computer.
Larger computerized go-to telescopes are just the ticket for someone who wants to dive right into observing the many wonders of the heavens without spending the hours of study needed without one. Time learning the night sky is replaced with hours learning to master the intricacies of a technical instrument, something that just may appeal too many.
Many amateurs though prefer simpler, inexpensive reflecting telescopes that are operated by hand. They have large, 8 inch and up, mirrors for lots of light gathering. They are relatively inexpensive, have no power cords, batteries, or need for a complicated set-up process. Jim White, an amateur from Silver Lake WA, has used one for over 20 years and says "There is a bit of the "thrill of discovery" for me." He also notes, "You can probably buy more telescope with a given amount of money if you leave out the computer." A 5 inch Celestron Nexstar costs $999. A 10 inch reflector can be purchased for $600.
For others with specialized interests, a go-to is just the ticket. McCarty uses a 5 inch and an 8 inch version of the Nexstar for his outdoor classroom. "Computerized telescopes are a major tool for an educator. The class can view many more objects during a given session, and I can concentrate on teaching."
To find a computerized telescope dealer in your area, go to the following web sites: www.celestron.com/dealers/index.htm and www.meade.com/authdlrs/