

High Resolution: To have a feasible computation for the maximum resolution of a telescope, you multiply the lens aperture in millimeters by two.Amount of Light: A telescope with a larger aperture is more able to capture huge amounts of light from the object.The telescope’s aperture affects two factors: If you were looking at the aperture specs of a telescope, a 60 mm and 70 mm aperture would be too small for it. Meanwhile, a 900 mm telescope will enable you to observe planets in the solar system (Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus) lunar phenomena (high magnifications) and M57 the Ring-Shaped Nebula. Whereas, for larger bodies, you need to have a telescope with shorter aperture and low magnification rating.Ī telescope with a focal length of 400 mm will enable you to observe objects such as large clusters of stars, the core of Andromeda galaxy, lunar phenomena (low magnifications) and the Orion nebula. For smaller bodies, you need to have a longer focal length and high magnification telescope. The next thing you need to consider is the size of the celestial body you aim to observe. However, if it is just space objects in the solar system, the aperture will not be that important. If you plan to go for deep space observation, then aperture must be your priority of choosing. When solving for the focal ratio, make sure the units of the focal length and aperture are the same so that they will cancel out.Īfter that, perhaps, your next question would be, which should I prioritize when choosing a telescope? Is it the aperture or the focal length? You have a telescope whose lens aperture is 102 millimeters and focal length of 1000 millimeters. This measurement is computed by dividing the focal length by the lens’ aperture. The focal ratio or f/stop is considered as the “speed” of the optics in any telescope or device which uses a lens mechanism. It shows some common popular brands and you can put your telescope in to find out all of the equations talked about here. So, people like me can get it.ĭownload our FREE equation calculator sheet. To know these formulas, we have gone over the main formulas needed in a simple discussion with examples for more natural understanding.

In studying Astronomy, we have to educate ourselves with the common formulas used in this field. This field is not just about staring into the dark skies but rather a scientific method of observing those heavenly bodies. If we recall, Astronomy is the science that studies stars, planets, and other celestial bodies that makes up the universe. In contrast, Science associate numbers with a reference which result in what we call “units of measurement”. In Math, numbers are mere figures manipulated and computed to produce another number. Math and science both use numbers in their respective field, but how do you think they differ? Here is a quick reference chart at what is covered more in-depth further along.
