Amateur Astronomy for Beginners: Telescope Mounts

September 23rd, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

As part of our continuing training program for beginner astronomers, we are presenting the following video to help you understand the importance and use of telescope mounts. The telescope mount is an important piece of equipment to help new astronomers track heavenly bodies across the night skies.

This is a how-to video and whether you are using a beginner telescope or more advanced model, the information will be helpful. So, sit back and enjoy our resident astronomer:


In your search for the proper telescope mount, we recommend that you click one of our recommended telescopes and search the Amazon database for telescope mounts within your price range with the features you desire.


Astronomy: Learn About Beginner Telescopes

September 28th, 2009    Subscribe To Our Feed

We thought all you budding astronomers would appreciate the advice and information provided by the below video. Our teacher will be giving a brief discussion about telescope mounts: Alt-Azmuth, equatorial, and dobsonian.

He also provides a discussion regarding moon phases so you will be able to better understand the various viewing stages of the moon. Even with beginner telescopes, you will have a first row seat when you view the Earth’s moon. So, after watching this video, why not head out to a nice dark viewing spot and look at the moon with a whole new perspective?



Choosing the Right Telescope Mount

April 10th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

telescope mountsIf you want to stargaze with the minimum amount of hassle, it is almost a requirement that you use a telescope mount. You will find that stability is paramount when looking at the stars and planets, because any movement in the telescope will require you to realign your position to continue tracking the celestial body.

Another factor that weighs in favor of using a mount is your comfort level. If you plan to do any extended periods of stargazing, telescope mounts can make all the difference in how you position your body relative to the telescope. Put your body in an unnatural position and your stargazing experience will be less than satisfactory in a few short minutes. Choose the right telescope mount and you will want to stay out all night!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Telescope Mount

Choosing the right mount will be dependent on a number of factors:

It is important that you determine how you will be using your telescope and where it will be used. If you are a novice astronomer and have a beginner telescope, then a less complex, and less costly, telescope mount will probably suffice without diminishing your stargazing experience.

If you are more experienced in astronomy, you may opt for one of the more complex telescope mounts with all the “bells and whistles”. Of course, these can be quite expensive, especially if you desire a mount with computerized features.

If you plan to move your telescope from place to place during your stargazing adventure you should definitely consider portability. Some of these mounts can get pretty heavy and can be quite a chore to lug around.

As you can see, there are many aspects to telescope mounts that need to be considered when shopping for a mount for your telescope. Take the time to research the various types of mounts, their features, and their cost (preferably online) and you will be rewarded with the right telescope mount for your viewing pleasure.