How to Use a Refractor Telescope

In this video we demonstrate how to use a simple refractor telescope on an AZ mount. This telescope was from Costco for about $200 (for some reason, they don’t list this online, you had to go into the store). It is similar to the Omni 102AZ, the Explore Scientific 102 series, and the Skywatcher Startravel series.
If your telescope has an EQ mount, check out this video here: • How To Use An EQ Teles...
If you don’t have a telescope, check out this video on how to use any telescope: • How To Use Any Telesco...
Books:
50 Things to See on the Moon: www.amazon.com...
50 Things to See with a Telescope: www.amazon.com...
Kid’s Guide to the Night Sky (October 2024): www.amazon.com...
110 Things to See with a Telescope: www.amazon.com...
Eyepiece Upgrades (Affiliate Links from All-Star Telescope):
24mm Tele Vue Panoptic: all-startelesc...
19mm Tele Vue Panoptic: all-startelesc...
9mm Tele Vue Nagler: all-startelesc...
5mm Tele Vue Nagler: all-startelesc...
24mm Hyperion: all-startelesc...
10mm Hyperion: all-startelesc...
5mm Hyperion: all-startelesc...

[@deimos1738]

WE LOVE JOHN

[@JWNRW59]

Love these explanations for “the rest of us” who are casual users. I have the Celestron version of this same telescope. The tripod ain’t great but it’s fine for sometimes use. Thanks as always John.

[@Vic-pz5oh]

Looks like my Omni👍

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@Astronomer118]

Yay new video

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Nice.

[@misaelescobarruiz1193]

Buen teléscopio

[@yusufkif308]

I have a question. I have been having a nexstar 4se telescope and its pretty descent. I was thinking of getting an 8se and selling the 4se because i live in new york. But i also like starsense. Please tell me what i should do. Thank you

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 8SE is pretty great, if you already are familiar with the 4SE, you’ll probably really enjoy the 8. Remember, Starsense doesn’t track or anything, and you’d need the 8 inch dob to match the aperture of the 8Se.

[@millenialfalcon8243]

If you have the budget, I highly recommend the Evolution 8 over the 8se. Much better mount/tripod. Many think the SE mount is undersized for this 8in scope. The Evolution has a higher weight rating, internal rechargeable battery and built-in WiFi.

[@millenialfalcon8243]

I'm guessing you don't have very dark skies. Do you take your 4se to dark sights? If not, you might want to consider EAA so you can actually see stuff. The easiest/cheapest way is to get the ZWO SeeStar 50.

[@lornaz1975]

John did you ever get that 102mm Explore Scientific refractor fixed? That is a cool scope!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes! I used plumbers Fix-it-stick bonding puddy! (Scott never did send the replacement parts like he said he would during the video).

[@lornaz1975]

@@LearnToStargaze Good to hear. I love a long achromat. Lets say Scott was too busy and forgot lol!

[@sjhicksfamily5493]

Is the Orion Starblast 102mm refractor a good telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Hi! The optics are okay, it might be a bit challenging to point on that mount.

[@user-do1by7ky1s]

Should I get Celestron Astromaster 130 eq or a Refractor of 102 mm?

[@LearnToStargaze]

102mm

[@freeman10000]

If you get a barlow lens with your "beginner" scope chuck it away.