Viewing planets from amateur telescopes

Karthikskywalker · Post by **Karthikskywalker** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:21 pm

Hello

I'm new to this forum, and new to astronomy, so please forgive me if this question sounds utterly nonsensical or stupid... but i have to know...

Is it really possible to view the planets using an amateur telescope? I mean the ones by Celestron... like the Nexstar series, will it really work?

I'm really new here, and I know nuts about astronomy, seriously. But I really have a passion for viewing objects in space. I think I need some guidance regarding the subject... I would really appreciate some help

Thank you:)

Karthik

Post by **weixing** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 8:56 pm

Hi,
Yes... you can see planets of our solar system with amateur telescope... how much details you can see depend on the aperture of the scope... the bigger the aperture, the more details you can see.

Below are some of the features you can see using amateur telescope:
1) Phase of Mercury and Venus.
2) Polar caps and dark markings on Mars.... especially during opposition.
3) Jupiter's cloud bands and shadow of Jupiter's Moons moving across Jupiter's surface.
4) Rings of Saturn.

Uranus and Neptune will be seen as small featureless disk for most amateur telescopes.

By the way, welcome to SingAstro!!

Have a nice day.

michaelang · Post by **michaelang** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:47 pm

Just like you, I have just got into this hobby and bought a small celestron Nexstar 5SE.

The first thing I saw on my scope on aligning it was Jupiter and it's moons. Beautiful.

But since then it's been cloudy. Haha

Karthikskywalker · Post by **Karthikskywalker** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:53 pm

You bought a Nexstar 5SE?

Where'd you buy it from, how much did it cost?

Post by **Airconvent** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:13 pm

Welcome to Singastro!
I think our resident expert has answered most of your questions.
Do join some obs sessions so you can ascertain what scope and budget is suitable for you. You can pop by astro-scientific at the Science centre to check out some of the scopes.
For purchases, do look at our second hand for sale section as well as our vendors section if you are looking for a new scope.
Regards and clear skies

superiorstream · Post by **superiorstream** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:26 am

Hi,Karthikskywalker
You can also observe the sun and look at sunspots too.The sun is getting more active these days and like sunspot 1024 promises a good show.Prices of filters are expensive and a more reasonable price can be obtain from joo beng--astrobargain.A white light filter and solarmax 40 or PST are good starting equip.A 60mm or 80mm achromat f/16 or f/8 will do.Do take note:NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT PROPER PROTECTION FOR YOUR EYE BY WAY OF A PROPER FILTER.Dark film negative cannot be trusted.IT CAN CAUSE PERMANENT BLINDNESS.Thanks

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:35 am

Yes, even with the smallest 60mm telescope, you can start to observe the rings of Saturn, equatorial bands of jupiter at about 20x and higher magnification.

If you want to observe and learn more, join us at our observation sessions; we do have individual/private outings and a monthly public session at Tiong Bahru Park. The Science Centre organises a weekly Friday session at the Observatory, 8-10pm.

antares2063 · Post by **antares2063** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 10:46 am

Hi im curious about tiong Bahru park? is it along the alexandra park connector?

rlow · Post by **rlow** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 11:02 am

Please see this map:

http://maps.singaporeexpats.com/showmap ... RECREATION

yybmage · Post by **yybmage** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:00 pm

Even the 4SE is able to view the 5 major planets including earth). Seriously speaking, even the so called "department stall" ones can get a glimpse on them, though not recommanded to view with them.