Tools of Stargazing (FoS)

This month, you get another look at the types of eyepieces on the market with a review of two specialized types of oculars: zoom and long-relief. You also get a no-nonsense look at telescope resolution, one of the most misunderstood specifications of a telescope. And, if you live in an even moderately humid climate, you will appreciate this month’s...

There’s a bewildering array of eyepiece types and manufacturers on the market, so choosing an eyepiece can seem like an overwhelming task. But with the basics you will learn here, you can make a more informed decision when it comes to selecting eyepieces to match your equipment and interests. You also get an overview of 'light pollution' or 'nebula...

A German equatorial mount.
This month it’s time for a quick look at mounts, a key piece of equipment often overlooked by first-time telescope users and buyers. When evaluating a telescope, you must take into account not just the optics, but also the size, cost, stability, and type of the mounting system. In a way, a telescope mount is as important ...

This month you get a practical overview of telescopes for astronomy. While every stargazer wants a good telescope, no telescope is perfect for all people and all situations. This detailed lesson shows you the pros and cons of the main types of telescope types available for amateur astronomers, and makes a few recommendations for the most typical si...

This month you get a practical overview of binoculars and how to choose a good pair for astronomy. If you use the advice in this section, you may save yourself quite a bit of money and end up with the very best pair of binoculars for your personal situation. And every stargazer needs a pair of binoculars. Audio and notes are below…
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