Telescope Buying Guide

¤Chins Up¤ asked:


I am thinking about upgrading to a new telescope from my 102mm maksutov cassegrain. I was originally looking into the Orion SkyQuest XT10 Computerized IntelliScope but then I saw somewhere that it doesn’t really make much of a difference. Should I look into the Orion SkyQuest XT8 Computerized IntelliScope instead? I believe that I may be coming down with aperture fever *cough* *sniffle*.

neoga illinois asked:


If I bought a telescope from walmart would it be good enough to give me a good view of astronauts doing a space walk? could I read the writings on the space shuttle with it?
Even from Earth it is possible to see some details of the Station, such as the solar panels and even the Station’s robotic arm, but you will need some more powerful equipment.
John Locker from England sent us this video (left) which was captured using a webcam together with an 8 inch telescope.
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMY46XAIPE_iss_0.html