What You Should Know About the Newtonian Reflector Telescope
The Newtonian reflector telescope is often cited as the best telescope for beginners. It’s true; a Newtonian reflector offers the biggest aperture and thrives at collecting light which is essential in astronomy. But what else should you know about this type of telescope?
Let’s look at the features and benefits of a Newtonian reflector telescope and everything you should know before buying.
What is the Newtonian Reflector Telescope Exactly?
The Newtonian reflector telescope was named after the inventor Isaac Newtown who built the first model in 1668. The Newtonian reflector telescope was designed to use mirrors instead of lenses. It is one of the features that sets it apart from other telescopes. They use flat deflecting mirrors to collect and focus light through the telescope tube toward the eyepiece.
In case you might be asking yourself, there are three main types of telescopes: refractor, catadioptric and reflector telescopes. There are also hybrid designs in each category. And the Newtonian reflector telescope is often touted as the best option for beginners. Which makes sense when you correctly understand the features and benefits of this telescope
Features of a Newtonian Reflector Telescope
The Optical Tube Assembly (Tube & Mirrors)
A Newtonian reflector telescope comes in two parts. The “optical tube assembly” consists of an open-ended tube with a primary parabolic mirror at one end. And a second flat mirror on the other. Light enters the tube via the primary mirror. Then rebounds off the secondary mirror and into the eyepiece on the telescope. The tube in a Newtonian reflector telescope is also typically shorter than you will find with other types of telescopes.
The second part refers to the mount…
The Equatorial Mount
A mount is tasked with supporting the telescope and providing a system for controlling and guiding the instrument. Reflector telescopes often come with an equatorial mount with adjusters that allow more control and movement of the telescope.
Mirrors Instead of Lenses
A Newtonian reflector telescope uses mirrors instead of lenses to reflect light. It allows them to avoid specific problems like color fringing around objects. Still, it’s essential to know that some brands use poor-quality mirrors, so be careful when buying your first telescope.
Parabolic Shaped Mirrors
The parallel nature of the mirrors in a reflector telescope enables these mirrors to focus the light on a single point. You will not find this parabolic shape in other telescopes. Allowing for parallel light rays to pass through the optical tube.
Wide Range of Aperture Ratios
Aperture refers to the opening through which light can travel in a telescope, and the aperture ratio is the relationship between the focal length and the aperture. Newtonian reflector telescopes come with a broader range of aperture ratios, allowing for shorter focal lengths than other telescopes. It also means they are optically faster in terms of performance.
Now, let’s look at some of the main benefits of a Newtonian reflector telescope for star gazers and astronomers.
Benefits of a Newtonian Reflector Telescope
You Can Move and Navigate the Telescope by Hand
When set up correctly, the adjusters on a Newtonian reflector telescope make it relatively easy to track the stars. For instance, its simplistic design makes it easy to move a Newtonian reflector telescope by hand. And it’s just a matter of either loosening or tightening knobs on the head of the tripod.
You Can Learn the Sky Better
The reflector telescope is not computerized. So you need to take a more practical and manual approach to star gazing. You learn the sky better because you cannot depend on computerized tech to guide the process. It is another reason why many experts recommend reflector models as the best telescopes for viewing planets.
Superior Light Allows You to See More
Newtonian reflector telescopes use mirrors that are easier to shape into a dish-shaped surface. Enabling them to collect much more light than other telescopes. It is an important distinction because people often focus too much on magnification. Even though the primary goal of a star gazing telescope is to gather light. This means you can see fainter objects with a reflector telescope. And there are no inherent lens-related problems common with other telescopes.
Reflector Telescopes Require Less Maintenance
While a Newtonian reflector telescope needs to be collimated occasionally, they require less maintenance than other models. Collimation relates to aligning the mirrors inside a reflector telescope. And you can buy a simple tool that enables you to do this yourself.
Newtonian Reflector Telescopes are Very Affordable
Newtonian reflector telescopes are affordable, which is certainly true compared to refractor telescopes like the Schmidt-Cassegrains. There is also no sacrifice in optical performance, and the excellent aperture makes this a perfect value-for-money option. Would you like a few suggestions?
What’s the Best Telescope for Beginners?
Regarding features, you will want to ensure your telescope has a decent focal length and aperture. These two features help create a unique viewing experience and better visibility in general. At the same time, sticking to known brand names is essential. The quality of mirrors and other parts are never guaranteed and often disappointing with lesser-known names.
Here are three reflector telescopes for beginners to consider:
Orion 8″ Dobsonian Reflector Telescope
You get a great viewing experience thanks to the reflective mirrors and large aperture on the Orion 8″ Dobsonian reflector. The tension control handles make it easy to point and direct and come fully assembled with a sturdy design. Aside from the affordable price tag. The quality and capability of this model make it one of the best Newtonian reflector telescopes on the market.
Astronomers Without Borders One Sky Reflector Telescope
With a 5-inch mirror, this Newtonian reflector telescope is small enough to place on a table instead of a tripod. These mirrors collapse and expand, which makes them easy to store or carry around. You will find excellent visibility with this model. It has one of the lowest price tags for beginner telescopes.
Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ
You can leave the complicated charts behind with the Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ by Celestron. It is an ideal telescope for beginners and the very first that can use your smartphone to analyze the stars. Even in a light-polluted area, this telescope is said to be able to pick out planets and stars with ease. It also weighs just 18 pounds which makes it ideal for carrying in a backpack.
Conclusion
A Newtonian reflector telescope is a very affordable all-round telescope. Although it was designed in 1668, experts still use these models. Which should tell you everything about the capability of a Newtonian telescope. Overall, these telescopes are affordable, functional, and easy to use and ideal for beginners taking their first steps in astronomy.
