How to Guide: Automated GoTo Telescopes
There have been many advancements in digital technology and at-home telescopes are no exception. Automated GoTo telescopes are now widely available from a range of manufacturers and are increasing in popularity. But what are they and how do you use them?
What is a GoTo Telescope?
A GoTo Telescope is a computerised telescope that can automatically locate objects in the night sky. This can refer to both the mount and the scope as a full telescope package, or simply an automated mount that can be purchased separately.
How does it work?
A GoTo telescope is equipped with a pre-programmed map of the night sky, with all the intricate detail of celestial objects. By aligning your telescope using a reference point, it can then automatically map your location and from that point locate any object you want to observe. GoTo telescopes generally come with a remote control, which is how you navigate the scope and adjust the direction to find what you are looking for. Although these days they can also connect to a tablet or smartphone which act as a virtual remote control. These remote controls are generally known as hand controllers or hand control.
How to use a GoTo Telescope
GoTo telescopes are fairly easy to use once you get started and although different manufacturers will have slightly differing processes or information, we have put together a basic guide on how to set up your new telescope.
- Step 1: Information – Some GoTo telescopes will require you to enter your location, date, and the time. This may not always be the case, for some telescopes you may only have to enter the nearest town or city. This information helps your GoTo telescope to know where it is and is the first step on correctly aligning your telescope with the night sky above. Some manufacturers may instead require your latitude and longitude.
- Step 2: Alignment – Once you have inputted your information into your telescope, aligning your telescope with reference points is the next step. For it to locate objects successfully, your GoTo telescope needs to know exactly where you are in relation to two or three stars.
You will need to point your telescope at a selected star and ensure you have it centred in the eyepiece, and by pressing the keypad you can tell the telescope the objective is complete. You are likely to need to repeat this process a further two times. This gives your telescope reference points from which to calculate where other celestial objects are in relation to you. Making it easy to find (or GoTo) an observable object at the click of a button.
Some manufacturers will require you to choose known stars, others will simply need you to point and centre at any star you see, and the computer will compare that to its database without you having to know what a certain star is. Some GoTo telescopes will automatically do this process for you, including the new Celestron StarSense Accessory telescopes.
- Step 3: Finderscope – Your telescope will come with a finderscope, make sure you align this with your main telescope. This is easy to do, simply centre an object in your main telescope and then centre the same object using your finderscope.
- Step 4: Start observing! – Once everything is correctly aligned, you can use the remote control with your GoTo telescope to locate any celestial object you desire. It’s that easy!
Are they worth purchasing?
GoTo telescopes are definitely worth purchasing for beginners and amateur astronomers as they reduce the amount of time needed to painstakingly discover celestial objects, the telescope will find them for you! Although for many, the search and discovery aspect of exploring the night sky is a big draw, if you are still a novice, GoTo telescopes are an excellent way to learn quickly and not have the frustration of a clear night and only managing to find a few celestial objects.
Most GoTo telescopes will have excellent user interfaces (remote control, smartphone, tablet), which make them easy to use, from a complete beginner to experienced astronomer, so although they may look complicated to use, they are in fact relatively easy once aligned!
When looking at price, GoTo telescopes will vary depending on quality & the best telescope is the biggest. You should expect to pay £300 pounds upwards depending on your needs. And of course Grovers Optics are very experienced in helping budding astronomers, just like you.
Automated GoTo Telescopes from Grovers Optics
Here at Grovers Optics we have a variety of GoTo Telescopes and accessories. All of our optical equipment and telescopes can be found on our website www.groversoptics.com or you can always pop into our store and our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, you can call us on 01609 898098 or email us at hello@grovers.biz.
