Telescopes Basic Tips for Using Telescopes Tip! In Feb. 1997 the Hubble Telescope received its Second Servicing Mission. Telescopes come in two different basic types - Reflectors and Refractors. A Reflecting telescope is good for looking at galaxies and starclouds, and they allow the observer to see sharp images. They are also less expensive than refractors because they usually have just one surface that helps to focus the light. Refracting telescopes can be used to view stars and planets, but they are quite expensive. These types of telescopes are usually in the form of a long tube with an eyepiece on one end and the lens at the other end. You don't need motors to drive the telescope either. After a bit of playing with it, you will be able to guide the scope by hand to where you want to look. You only need a motor if you are trying out astrophotography. Make sure your tripod is mounted firm. You don't want it falling over while you're focusing on a particular star. The simplest telescope out there is called a Dobsonian Reflector telescope. It sits on a "Lazy Susan" type of mount and is very affordable. Try out different telescopes and equipment and see what works best for you. If you want to try it before you buy your complete set, consider buying a used telescope. There are all kinds of options out there for your particular viewing pleasure. Finderscopes are good to have on your telescope as well. This is a smaller telescope that is mounted next to the eyepiece. This piece of telescope equipment will make finding your specific object easier. Tip! Its formal name is Celestron CPC 800 Professional Computerized Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope. This Celestron telescope cpc 8 offers easy and quick alignment and GPS, with quality of optics that is unbeatable. Perhaps the best way to start is with a pair of binoculars. They are quite portable and have a wide field of view. They are also less expensive than a telescope and they can be used for other purposes as well. Comets have been discovered by people using binoculars. In fact, did you know the binoculars you have packed away in the closet at home are more powerful than Galileo's first telescope? About the Author Terry Baeseman is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of My Telescope Store and can be reached at My Telescope Store. My Telescope Store provides information about astronomy telescopes, binoculars, telescope accessories and more.