Ask an Astronomer Answer Archive

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  1. What kind of binoculars should I buy to see the rings of Saturn?
  2. I am interested in becoming an amateur astronomer. What kind of telescope should I buy, and where should I go to see dark skies?
  3. I am new to astronomy, and am going to buy a telescope. Do you have any recommendations?
  4. What kind of telescope should I buy, and where are good places to observe the night sky?
  5. How do astronomers decide where to put their observatories?

  6. What are the pros and cons for building space observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope? Why do we do it?
  7. What is an interferometer? How are they used to find planets?
  8. Can two optical telescopes placed hundreds of miles apart be used as a powerful interferometer?
  9. What is the orbital period of the EUVE orbiting space telescope?
  10. What is the limiting magnitude for binoculars/telescopes? Do city lights affect this limiting magnitude?

  11. Where can I find the spectra of various elements?
  12. Where can I find details about the space telescope?
  13. How do I use RA and Dec with my telescope to find objects in the sky?
  14. How do I collimate my telescope mirror?
  15. When and how should I clean my telescope eyepiece?

  16. Which is the better telescope: a 16-inch dobsonian, or a 12.5-inch mounted reflecotr?
  17. Is the large telescope at Lick Observatory 3 meters or 120 inches?
  18. Why do Hubble Space Telescope pictures have a part missing?
  19. What discoveries have been made with telescopes?
  20. How can I find the planets through my telescope?

  21. How can I safely view the sun through my telescope
  22. Can I use welder's glass along with a telescope to safely view the sun?
  23. How do you make large lenses for telescopes?