INSTRUMENTS

Spectacular first images from Rubin Observatory reveal 2,104 asteroids — millions more yet to be explored

The ability to detect small objects orbiting the Sun shows asteroids in motion against the static background of stars and galaxies.
Published: Jun 24, 2025  |  By Mahalekshmi P

After Rubin's first surreal images of the cosmos, scientists are 'beyond excited about what's coming'

The next-generation facility captured stars, galaxies and asteroids, revealing the cosmic phenomena on an unbelievable scale.
Published: Jun 24, 2025  |  By Mahalekshmi P

The Rubin Telescope’s 3,200-megapixel eye is the largest digital camera ever — and it's built to scan the sky

In its first year, the Rubin Observatory is expected to gather more data than every telescope in history, put together.
Published: Jun 20, 2025  |  By Raj Naik

NASA’s James Webb captures Neptune’s extraordinary auroras for the first time

Neptune’s auroras are no longer a speculation, as the beautiful sight on the planet was officially captured by James Webb.
Published: Apr 6, 2025  |  By Mahalekshmi P

NASA's SPHEREx telescope, launched to study millions of galaxies, releases stunning debut images: 'Just wow'

The mission to map the universe and record innumerable undetected galaxies seems possible now as NASA’s SPHEREx turns on detectors.
Published: Apr 3, 2025  |  By Mahalekshmi P

Eyepieces

An eyepiece (or ocular) is a combination of small lenses mounted in a tube, used to view and magnify the image formed by a telescope or other optical instrument.
Updated: Aug 9, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Refractors Vs Reflectors: The Pros & Cons of Each Telescope Design

Discover the pros and cons of refracting and reflecting telescopes. We'll compare key factors such as budget, aperture size, observing capability, ease of use and much more.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

telescope storage

Owning a telescope involves careful maintenance. You must ensure that the storage conditions are optimal so that you can enjoy watching the night sky whenever you want.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Field of view calculator

The telescope's FOV determines the amount of sky you can see in your eyepiece. Use this simple field-of-view calculator to maximize your stargazing enjoyment.
Updated: Jun 14, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

How to focus your telescope

Focusing a telescope may be, at times, challenging. Today, you will learn how to properly focus your telescope and improve your viewing sessions.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

The different types of telescopes explained

Telescopes allow us to observe distant objects in the sky. While the options may seem overwhelming, there are actually only three basic types of telescopes.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Sarah Hoffschwelle Cooper

The different types of telescope mounts explained

The telescope mount is what supports the telescope tube and allows you to aim it at different objects in the sky.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

How to set up your telescope

I'll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up your telescope, from choosing the right location to aligning your optics.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

How to aim a telescope

If this is your first time using a telescope, you may be wondering how to point it at the various space objects across the night sky.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Why is my telescope blurry

There are many reasons why your telescope may produce a blurry image, but don't worry - every problem has a solution!
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Can you use a telescope during the day?

Telescopes are often thought of as tools only made for stargazing at night, but daytime observings can be just as rewarding.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Which planets can you see without a telescope?

Planets are a popular observing target among amateur astronomers. Contrary to popular belief, telescopes are not always required to observe them.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

How much does a good telescope cost

Buying a high-quality telescope can be a significant investment. To help you plan your budget, we have created this guide about telescope prices in 2021.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

Dobsonian Telescopes

Dobsonian telescopes are a type of reflecting telescope that is very popular in the visual astronomy community.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain

How to Buy a Telescope

Choosing your first telescope can be overwhelming. Here are the most important things to know and do before buying your first telescope.
Updated: Mar 27, 2024  |  By Tom Urbain