![]() ![]() And the Moon is 380 thousand km away from us. Using the same Gran Telescopio Canarias telescope, you will be able to distinguish objects of this size at a maximum distance of 10,000 km. The resolving power of any optical telescope is too small to see such tiny objects, although they are at a much closer distance. So why do we see whole galaxies far-far away, but cannot see the objects on the Moon right next to us? For the same reason as the distant stars. How about the traces of the first man on the moon? American flag? Lunar rover? Therefore, in the nearest future, we will only be able to see the stars as glowing blurred spots, surrounded by concentric rings. The largest of the currently existing optical telescopes, the Grand Canary Telescope (Gran Telescopio Canarias), has a mirror of only 10.4 meters in diameter. In order to see it, you would need a telescope with a lens 140m in diameter, which is impossible in terrestrial conditions. The closest star to us, Proxima Centauri, is 7 times smaller than the Sun and is 4 light years away. If you have high hopes to examine the stellar disks in detail and find out how the stars in the Ursa Major constellation differ from the stars in the Little Dipper – slow your roll here. The only star you can see in detail is the Sun. You probably can’t wait to find out what you can see in the telescope. We wouldn’t recommend increasing magnification any further. Some increase the magnification up to 1.5-2 times when the lens is rather good quality and in fair atmospheric conditions. ![]() For example, a 100mm lens will be perfect for a 100x magnification. Ideally, for the best image quality the magnification should be no more than the diameter of the lens in millimeters. The larger the diameter of the lens, the better the resolution hence the more distant objects can be seen. The resolution is measured in angular seconds (it’s only 0.00028 degrees). But if you have a good, expensive camera, you can get a magnification of up to 500 times, without losing the quality of the picture, while the sizes of the objects on the pictures will be same. If you magnify further, objects will become dim and fuzzy. If you buy a cheap and simple "camera", you can clearly see objects magnified 70 times. Imagine that the telescope is the "camera" fitted into your eye. The other one is beautiful and bright you can even see the tips of your eyelashes. But the pictures you take are completely different: one is dull and blurry, without any details. Both cameras look pretty much the same can zoom in and zoom out. ![]() Do you remember the old Nokia phones with 1–2 megapixel cameras? And now compare them with IPhone 7 cameras. The main characteristic of a telescope is its resolution, or the ability to draw two closely located details in focus. Even the cheapest telescope can magnify as much as you want, but that doesn’t mean you will be able to make out anything. First, the magnification power – the ability to zoom in on distant objects – has actually little to do with the quality of the picture you see in the telescope. To start, let’s try to figure out how telescopes work. Just follow this article for advice and FAQs on beginners’ astronomy. In case you are intrigued and trying to wrap your mind around how to start this fascinating hobby, no worries – we’ve got your back here. Nevertheless, using a telescope properly will allow you to see countless space objects that have a good chance of leaving you completely speechless. The smartest of you probably have already guessed that the reality is somewhat more prosaic. Or maybe a comet will fly before you and wave its shining tail? Alas, no. ![]() Some even think that as soon as they point their telescope at the night sky, multicolored planets the size of a soccer ball as well as star clusters and even whole galaxies will start popping up out of nowhere. Just buy a telescope with a fitting lens, wait until dark and it’s all sorted – you can enjoy the views of twinkling stars. On the one hand, it seems quite easy: unlike with, for example skating or golf, no specific skills or long workouts are needed. Inspired by the experience of astrophotographers, some of you might want to go for this engrossing hobby. Colored and vivid images of galaxies, planets and star clusters entrance everyone who is fascinated by boundless space, occupied by myriad stars, and is eager to see the wonders of the Universe. ![]()
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