1. A telescope gives you access to the whole universe. Even a small,
simple telescope can bring the rings of Saturn, the cloud belts of
Jupiter, and even distant galaxies into view.
2. Refractor telescopes
are the best choice for children. They feature rugged construction, a
maintenance-free design, and a bottom eyepiece position that is easy
for smaller people to reach.
3. Reflector telescopes
are economical, produce high-quality images, and are favored by
astronomers who require their larger size to study deep-sky objects.
4. Refractor telescopes use lenses to transfer light, much like
binoculars do. Reflector telescopes use mirrors to focus light into the
eyepiece.
5. A catadioptric telescope
optimizes properties of both refractor and reflector telescopes. It
uses both lenses and mirrors, and it has the added advantage of being
more compact than either one.
6. A Dobsonian telescope
is ideal for those who want superior results without having to fuss
over high-tech mechanisms. This Newtonian reflector scope is powerful
enough to satisfy deep-sky enthusiasts, and is the most cost-effective
per inch.