Calling All Astronomers!

[shortstuffO3]

Okay I am just a beginner at all this, and I still don't understand a lot of it so bear with me. Okay, I know the formula and know how much magnification my telescope has with the different eyepieces I have. I have been searching everywhere and have not been able to find a site that has the magnification requirements for observing different celestial objects. So I need a ball park area of how much I would need to be able to view Saturn decently. If you would happen to know of any sites that gives you the requirements of different objects that would be great also! I appreciat all of your help!

[dustypuss]

hi st . it not so much the mag of your scope but the size of your main lens . a 4 inch lens is min to look at planets a 6 in is better try the NASSA WEB SITE. This web site is also interesting. www.heavens-above.com

[Teddio]

For observing the planets you need a large magnification. A three inch refractor will just show the Cassini Division in the rings of Saturn under ideal viewing conditions. To observe deep sky objects such as the Orion Nebula you need a low magnification and a wide field of view. The larger the diameter of the objective lens or mirror the greater the resolution of the object and the brighter it will appear. Thus Saturn viewed in a 24 inch reflector at 200X magnification will show much greater detail and a brighter image when compared to the view from a 6 inch reflector at 200X magnification. A very important factor is the "seeing" condition.

[CT]

Lunar observing is easy enough at 45x, which is what I have on about a 4" mirror. Up to 200x will get much closer views. Planets, as stated above are best between 150-200x.