We wonder how it would be like if we had the ability to zoom in like 60x or more. How To Use a Spotting Scope for Astronomy? A spotting scope is designed such as for long-distance observation and finding. In general, it is used for observing the hunting terrain or to practice shooting. A good number of people use a spotting scope for bird watching. So, what about using a Spotting Scope for Astronomy?”
Most of the people think that a telescope is the best to explore in the sky and the vast galaxy. However, it might be true, but the spotting scope gives a great and versatile alternative. As a telescope has much more power packed in it, but a spotting scope also has something in it. If you are a space-exploring enthusiast, for starting a spotting scope is the best way to start for the astronomical adventure.
As a spotting scope is designed to see the target as much with 60x to more magnification. The basic concept of the spotting scope is the same as the refractor telescope. From the design concept, a spotting scope is neither more nor less than a small, rugged refractor, sometimes with and sometimes without the ability to change eyepieces. Therefore, it is yes and you can use the best spotting scope for stargazing or trying to find out in the vast galaxy.
In most of the cases by using, a good spotting scope one can see the open clusters, planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and its larger moons, as well as objects like Mizar, the Pleiades, and the moon. Just keep some things in mind. A 60x+ spotting scope is great on the moon. It might also be great in the sun with a full-aperture solar filter.
Spotting Scope For Astronomy
How to Use a Spotting Scope for Astronomy:
From the shape of a telescope designed for specifically astronomy usually have an angled eyepiece, usually 90º to the barrel. This shape of eyepiece gives the maximum comfortable viewing angle. On the other hand spotting scopes, is less curvy than the telescope, mostly like angled at 450. It is designed primarily for looking downwards, at the eye level and to find out the target at stays between these two levels. They are not designed for finding or stargazing as it might defeat the whole purpose of the spotting scope.
To solve this problem, you need to set up the spotting scope different than its normal use, like hunting or bird viewing. You will need to either place your spotting scope on a very tall tripod or place yourself lower to the ground for a more comfortable view to achieving the angle of the telescope. But a piece of advice is that if your purpose of getting spotting scope is to stargazing, then you should consider buying the spotting scope with 450 rather than a straight one. There are some factors that we should consider before buying a spotting scope to use it for astronomy. We recommend Celestron Ultima Spotting Scope series for your astronomical adventure.
The objective lens size and aperture:
The theory of light passing through the lens is, the larger the aperture, the more light the scope will capture. Aperture is not usually critical in the daytime use of when there is the presence of a good amount of light. But in the night time in order to see any object, there is a need for the presence of light. For that reason, the most effective spotting scope should have at least 70mm or more than that. If you have 60mm then you might not get enough light entering your scope to see the objects.
Two things to consider when determining the magnification of the scope. The first is the atmosphere and the second is the optical setup of the scope, while we are discussing Spotting Scope for Astronomy.
The atmosphere (the layer of gases and dust) is a determinant of the viewing quality at great distances. Magnification and image quality has a contra relationship. If the first one is enhanced, the second one deteriorates. A high-end scope can reduce the problem to some extent.
Budgetary Issue- Spotting Scope for Astronomy
When we use the spotting scope for bird watching or hunting, we generally use is to 20x or around 40x max. However, when you are using a spotting scope for nighttime use like stargazing or basic astronomy means using the scope at the extreme limits. The maximum magnification you have, the more distance you can cover with the spotting scope. From this perspective, you must consider a bigger budget for your spotting scope and have higher specs. A scope with much higher quality optics, better coatings, and high-quality glass is going to give you extra room to explore more.
The important notice here is if your main objective of buying spotting scope is for astronomy, get a telescope. Because a tale scope is made with the 900 eyepieces, finder eyepiece and has a larger diameter to absorb more light so that it can be easily used at night time. However, if you are a multitasker, want to use the spotting scope for viewing birds, wildlife, hunting in difficult terrain, and sometimes look at the night sky to see some unseen from your camp tent, then it is okay to get a high-quality spotting scope and it would be the best choice. Once you have the right view of what you need and if you are ready to buy a good spotting scope, make sure you check out our other reviews.
Stay Home, Stay Safe, Do Stargazing
People are searching for alternatives to make their ‘Stay Home’ enjoyable in this crisis of corona virus pandemic. Among many alternatives, Stargazing can be an ideal one for people of all age. Explore the endless adventure of stargazing. Discover your thousand years neighbor for whom you have allocated very little or no time at all, who were ignored for long. Introduce them with your kids for an endless fun, help them discover the beauty of night sky. Who knows someday NASA will find the most talented astronomer from your home, not kidding! Gift them a basic telescope or even spotting scope to start with. Worry not, as they grow up, they will find out the most sophisticated telescope or best spotting scope for stargazing.