Using a reflector telescope is a great way to get an insight into space. In this article, we explore how to use a reflector telescope.
Compared to refractor telescopes, reflectors (short for reflector telescope) provide much better value for money. That said, you may have to invest a little more time initially to set them up. However, once set up they can provide bright, clear images of the night sky.
Reflectors allow amateur astronomers to see further into the night sky on a small budget. These telescopes provide good focal lengths and large apertures, making them good value.
Therefore, if you’re looking for an economical option, a reflector could be the telescope for you.
The only downside to the telescope is that they are somewhat difficult to set up compared to the refractor telescope because the mounts they typically use require alignment. These telescopes also require periodic collimation.
Telescope alignment is the process of aligning the mount axis with the axis of the Earth’s rotation. This must be performed every time you wish to use your telescope. For visual use, the alignment can be approximate. All you need is a compass to align the mount to north-south. Once you have done this a few times, it is very quick. For an explanation of how this is done, see How to Setup a Telescope Equatorial Mount.
Collimation is the alignment of the primary and secondary mirrors and focuser. You should acquire the skills needed if you wish to use a reflector. However, if you handle the telescope well, you will not need to perform a collimation for a long time.
With this in mind, this article will outline everything you need to know about using your reflector telescope properly. It will include how to set it up and some helpful tips to get the most from your telescope.
Reflector telescopes use a primary mirror to reflect light in the opposite direction that it entered the telescope. A second mirror then reflects the light to a point (otherwise known as the focal point) where the eyepiece is placed.
Light from space travels through the optical tube, bouncing from a curved “parabolic” mirror. The mirror typically comprises a special glass with an aluminum reflective coating. This mirror is the primary mirror located at the rear of the optical tube.
The primary mirror reflects the light in the opposite direction it originated from. The light reaches the secondary mirror located near the front of the telescope. The secondary mirror is held in place by several ‘spider vanes’. These are thin vanes, and most reflector telescopes have four of them. Unlike the primary mirror, the secondary mirror is flat and angled at 45 degrees relative to the primary.
The secondary and primary mirrors are composed of the same materials and feature the same reflective properties.
From the secondary mirror, the light is directed through a hole at the side of the telescope. This is where the focuser is located. The focuser is where eyepieces are attached and observing takes place.
Using The Reflector Telescope The Right Way
1. Understand Each Part Of The Telescope
Before you do anything, you’ll want to read the manual and become familiar with all the functions and names of the knobs, lenses, eyepieces, locks, and other equipment.
The best place to understand how the mount works and change between eyepieces is at home.
Plus, since you’re using the finder scope, you must know how to adjust it. This saves you valuable sky-gazing time when you’re on the field.
2. Examine Your Star Charts
Again, before you even step out of the door, you’ll want to examine the star charts. We recommend using an app on your phone or, even better planetarium software on a computer.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for or where to look, you may have a frustrating star-gazing experience.
Plus, since it will be dark outside, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with these charts instead of reading through them in the dark.
3. Find The Perfect Location
When it comes to reflector telescopes, you’ll want a dark location if possible. A location free from any buildings or tall trees to obstruct your view is best.
The darker it is, the better. This is because ambient light can make viewing much more difficult. In a city with much light pollution dim objects become washed out.
Once you’re ready, locate the moon, the brightest object in the sky.
4. Set Up Your Telescope
The first step is to remove your lens cap and aim your telescope toward the moon. Begin with the lowest magnification eyepiece and move the telescope until it is pointed at the moon. You may need to focus the telescope. Center the Moon in the eyepiece.
Then, adjust your finder scope until the moon is perfectly centered on the crosshairs. The result should be a perfectly aligned telescope.
You will find more information on adjusting the finder scope in How to Use a Telescope. In this article a procedure to align the finder scope during the day is detailed.
5. Explore Space
Once you have successfully aligned everything, you’re free to observe the incredible cosmos using the charts you examined.
When you find something of interest, lock your telescope in place and switch out your eyepiece to one providing a greater magnification if you wish.
Then, all you have to do is adjust the focus knob for a clearer and sharper image.
Tips And Tricks For A Reflector Telescope
Get comfortable with a chair – A night behind your eyepiece means quiet and solitude connection with the cosmos; therefore, grab a chair and relax – you’ll be here a while.
Don’t worry too much about magnification – Too much magnification can sometimes be bad when watching stars. You can see everything you need with a 75-100 powered scope and clear skies.
Bring warm gear – It is colder at night than you may think; this is because you’ll be sitting or standing behind an eyepiece over extended periods. Therefore, bring extra layers and warm gear regardless of whether it is warm on the day.
Red light – Make sure you bring a red flashlight or put some red tape over your smartphone light. This is necessary since it takes your eyes longer to adapt to the dark (up to 45 minutes) and seconds for the eyes to snap shut when a bright light comes on. A red light maintains dark adaptation.
Barlow lens – On clear nights with steady seeing (no twinkling stars) on Saturn, Mars, and Jupiter take out your Barlow lens. This doubles the focal length of your telescope, improving the magnification of your same eyepiece.
To bring out the contrast of the moon, you should invest in a quality polarizer.
Final Thoughts
Looking to explore space? One of the best ways to do so is with a telescope. Unfortunately, the naked eye doesn’t have the power to explore the expanse of space.
This is where a reflector telescope provides a lot of value. Despite its inexpensive price point, it provides a powerful scope, allowing you to see into space.
Understanding your telescope’s limitations will help with your observations. Telescope Calculator covers some of these.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with everything you need to know about using the reflector telescope.
Once you are comfortable using your telescope you may like to check out some circumpolar stars.
Hi, my name is Jason Anderson, and I am a Physics Professor. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated with space, the universe, the moon, you name it. I spent hours and hours at the planetarium close to my hometown, wondering what else could be out in the universe.
Since then, I’ve been an avid stargazer and astronomer, and love nothing more than spending my time charting stars, observing planets, and finding constellations.
This is why I decided to start Telescope Guru. I only wish to share this fun pastime with the world. With this site, I hope to answer all of your questions relating to astronomy, telescopes, and stargazing.