Meade Telescope Blog

Why Astronomy & Why a Meade Telescope?

A Meade telescope and backyard astronomy make a great hobby. For as long as people have been looking at the night sky, they have wondered about the structure and character of distant worlds. But through all of recorded history, up to the early 17th century, the natural human curiosity about these worlds went largely unsatisfied because observations were limited to what could be observed with the optically unaided eye.

Today, with modern, modestly priced telescopes such as a Meade telescope, even the most casual of observers can view, from the convenience of his or her own backyard, an extremely wide range of celestial objects with a clarity and level of detail that would have amazed the ancients.




All photos taken with a Meade Telescope using Deep Sky Imager

You can explore hundreds of galaxies, gas clouds (nebulae), and star clusters, as well as the Moon, planets and comets with a Meade telescope. The powerful light-gathering capability of Meade telescopes can transform simple points of light into objects of incredible detail. You will be enriched with the experience of seeing first-hand some of nature’s most awesome spectacles. Here are some examples of what you can see with your new Meade telescope.

Observing With Your Meade Telescope

In the early 17th century Italian Scientist Galileo, using a telescope turned it skyward instead of looking at the distant trees and mountains. What he saw, and what he realized about what he saw, has forever changed the way mankind thinks about the universe. Imagine what it must have been like being the first human to see moons revolve around the planet Jupiter or to see the changing phases of Venus!

Because of his observations, Galileo correctly realized Earth’s movement and position around the Sun, and in doing so, gave birth to modern astronomy. Yet Galileo’s telescope was so crude, he could not clearly make out the rings of Saturn. Unlike other sciences, astronomy welcomes contributions from amateurs. Much of the knowledge we have on subjects such as comets, meteor showers, variable stars, the Moon, and our solar system comes from observations made by amateur astronomers.

So as you look through your telescope, keep in mind Galileo. To him, a telescope was not merely a machine made of glass and metal, but something far more, a window through which the beating heart of the universe might be observed. If you are new to astronomy you may be confused by all the Meade telescope jargon and perplexed as to what telescope would be best for you. Meade offers a complete line of quality telescopes so no matter which one you choose, it will be a quality scope. My personal suggestions for a beginner telescope can be found here…

When aspiring astronomers look for quality optics that will let them peer into the unknown reaches of void, Meade telescopes are an excellent choice. With a wide variety of telescopes, mounts, and filters available, Meade provides options for the backyard stargazer and the serious student alike. Which is why Meade telescope is trusted the world over.

Today, there are Meade telescopes for every interest and every budget. Whether it is an inexpensive starter telescope for someone who is just starting their nighttime explorations, a large scope for a dedicated, backyard researcher, a scope for the person who wants to travel light, or even a specialist who wants a telescope to examine sunspots, Meade Telescopes has the gear that will open up a window to the stars and planets.

Astrophotography Photography of the night sky (astrophotography) can be an extremely rewarding hobby revealing the spectacular beauty of nature and wonders of the universe. It can be as simple as a camera mounted on a tripod, or as complicated as you want to make it with liquid-cooled CCD cameras, robotically controlled telescopes, and computer-enhanced images.

Although astrophotography is a very easy hobby in which to get started on a simple level, it can be difficult to master at its highest level. You must be prepared to spend the time learning the craft. But, don’t let this discourage you. Start out easy, shoot some star-trails with camera on tripod. Advance to piggyback photography and finally prime-focus astrophotography.

Also, if you wish to see what stars and planets are in view over your neighborhood visit the Sky View Cafe page. It’s pretty cool.

So browse my Meade telescope site and enjoy! For hours of enjoyment and a deep fulfilling hobby that will keep you in awe, you can’t go wrong with a quality Meade telescope.