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Best Telescope For Planets And Deep Space (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a new way to explore the universe, a telescope for planets and deep space could be just what you need. With endless possibilities to discover new galaxies, stars, and planets, investing in a high-quality telescope can bring endless hours of enjoyment and learning. But before you make a purchase, there are some factors you should consider.

Firstly, you’ll want to think about the size and weight of the telescope. Will you be setting it up in a fixed location or will you be taking it on the go? How easy is it to transport and set up? You’ll also want to consider the type of mount and how stable it is, particularly if you’re planning on taking long exposure shots. Other factors include the aperture size, which will affect the brightness and clarity of your view, and the focal length, which impacts the magnification level.

If you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, choosing the right telescope can be a daunting task. Where do you start? What’s the best option for you? How do you know if the telescope will meet your expectations? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more. We’ll break down the key factors you should consider before making a purchase, including the type of telescope, its features, and your level of experience. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision that will take your space exploration to new heights.

10 Best Telescope For Planets And Deep Space

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The telescope is ideal for stargazing and finding stars, planets, and other celestial bodies using a smartphone app.
2
This product is ideal for adults, kids, and beginners interested in astronomy, equipped with an EQ mount, eyepieces, and smartphone adapter.
3
This product is ideal for beginners and advanced users of all ages who are interested in astronomy and stargazing.
4
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced users for viewing celestial objects with its computerized telescope and SkyAlign technology.
5
Ideal for viewing celestial objects in depth and clarity, including stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
6
The product is ideal for stargazers and astronomers, offering computerized controls and a portable design for ease of use.
7
It is ideal for affordable astrophotography and visual astronomy due to its compact and portable optical tube.
8
The product is ideal for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts who prefer a portable and versatile telescope setup.
9
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced telescope users who want a fully-automated, computerized telescope with SkyAlign technology.
10
Ideal for beginners who want a reflector telescope with fully-coated glass optics and an adjustable-height tripod, plus bonus astronomy software.
The telescope is ideal for stargazing and finding stars, planets, and other celestial bodies using a smartphone app.
This product is ideal for adults, kids, and beginners interested in astronomy, equipped with an EQ mount, eyepieces, and smartphone adapter.
This product is ideal for beginners and advanced users of all ages who are interested in astronomy and stargazing.
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced users for viewing celestial objects with its computerized telescope and SkyAlign technology.
Ideal for viewing celestial objects in depth and clarity, including stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.
The product is ideal for stargazers and astronomers, offering computerized controls and a portable design for ease of use.
It is ideal for affordable astrophotography and visual astronomy due to its compact and portable optical tube.
The product is ideal for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts who prefer a portable and versatile telescope setup.
The product is ideal for both beginner and advanced telescope users who want a fully-automated, computerized telescope with SkyAlign technology.
Ideal for beginners who want a reflector telescope with fully-coated glass optics and an adjustable-height tripod, plus bonus astronomy software.

1. Starsense Explorer: Discover The Universe With Ease

Experience the wonders of the night sky through your iPhone or Android phone with the help of this telescope. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced astronomer, this device is perfect for you. The telescope is equipped with the Starsense Explorer app which generates a list of the best celestial objects to view based on your exact time and location. With this feature, you can view brighter nebulae, galaxies, star clusters, and even the planets from the city. Moreover, you can observe fainter deep sky objects in darker sites. The app makes it easy for you to navigate the night sky with its guided tour feature. Just follow the arrows on the screen and locate the stars and planets with ease.

Setting up the telescope is a breeze. It comes with a manual altazimuth mount with smooth dual-axis slow-motion controls that allow you to follow the on-screen arrows to your desired target. Once you have aligned the telescope with the app, you can start observing the celestial objects in the telescope’s eyepiece. The bullseye turns green when the telescope is ready to view. The telescope is user-friendly and requires no telescope experience, making it an excellent choice for beginners and children.

With this powerful telescope and app, you can experience the cosmos like never before. Explore the mysteries of the universe and witness the beauty of the night sky from the comfort of your own backyard.

Pros

  • The Starsense Explorer app generates a list of the best celestial objects to view based on your exact time and location
  • The telescope is easy to set up and use, making it an excellent choice for beginners and children
  • The guided tour feature makes it easy to navigate the night sky and locate the stars and planets with ease

Cons

  • – The telescope may not be suitable for advanced astronomers who require more advanced features
  • – The app requires a stable internet connection to function properly

2. Prostargaze: Astronomy Telescope With Eq Mount & Smartphone Adapter

This versatile telescope can be used for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing, providing high-quality images with its fully multi-coated optics glass lens that has high transmission coatings to protect your eyes. It features erect image optics for easy use, making it a great option for kids and adults alike.

With a 70mm aperture and 700mm focal length, this telescope provides a magnification of 70X and 35X thanks to its 10mm and 20mm Plossl eyepieces. These eyepieces have better optical performance than K and H eyepieces, effectively reducing chromatic aberration and halo for clearer images.

Equipped with an equatorial mount type, this telescope comes with two slow motion control cables that allow for fine pointing adjustments in both R.A. and Declination. The mount is sturdy and durable, providing stability for the telescope.

Setting up the telescope is quick and easy, with no tools required. The telescope comes with a full size stainless steel adjustable tripod that can be set to any height and angle, providing a stable and safe platform for viewing. Additionally, a smartphone adapter with 1.5X Barlow Lens is included, which provides 70x magnification and allows you to capture and share images and videos with ease.

Pros

  • Suitable for both terrestrial and astronomical viewing
  • Fully multi-coated optics glass lens with high transmission coatings for high-quality images
  • Equatorial mount type with slow motion control cables for fine adjustments
  • No-tool setup for quick and easy installation
  • Comes with a smartphone adapter and tripod for stable viewing and image capturing

3. The Unistellar Smart Digital Telescope – Portable Astronomy.

The Unistellar eQuinox Digital Telescope is a great instrument for space enthusiasts, astronomers, and professionals. It offers enhanced vision that is 100x more powerful than a regular telescope, giving you the ability to observe faint objects in real-time thanks to the live accumulation of light. Additionally, the system provides autonomous field detection that instantly recognizes objects in its field of view by comparing them with tens of millions of stars in its coordinates database.

The eQuinox is not only useful for observing deep space, but it also contributes to protecting the planet from near-earth asteroids and conducting hands-on science. With its dedicated app, you can easily access its features with just a push of a button and a tap of the app. The app recommends the most spectacular targets and launches into deep-space observations within minutes.

Moreover, the Unistellar Network is the first global community of citizen astronomers, which helps you to contribute to citizen science. With over 5,000 members and counting, you can connect with other space enthusiasts, share your observations, and collaborate on projects.

Pros

  • Enhanced vision is 100x more powerful than a regular telescope
  • Provides autonomous field detection that instantly recognizes objects
  • Dedicated app offers easy accessibility to features
  • Contributes to citizen science through the Unistellar Network
  • Connects you with over 5,000 members of the global community of citizen astronomers

4. Nexstar 8se Telescope: Explore The Cosmos!

Experience the wonders of the night sky with the NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope, designed for both beginners and experienced observers. With its iconic orange tube design and updated technology, this telescope boasts the latest features for amazing stargazing. The Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope features an 8-inch primary mirror, providing ample light-gathering ability to observe the best of our Solar System while maintaining a compact form factor.

Equipped with starsense technology and Wi-Fi compatibility, this telescope is fully-automated with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. The go-to mount automatically locates and tracks objects for you, making stargazing effortless and enjoyable. The single fork arm design and sturdy steel tripod make it easy to assemble and break down into separate components for effortless transportation.

Aligning the telescope is a breeze with SkyAlign technology, which gets it ready in minutes. You can buy with confidence as the telescope brand has been based in California since 1960, and you'll receive a 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from their team of US-based experts.

Pros

  • Compact design with an 8-inch primary mirror for ample light-gathering ability
  • Fully-automated go-to mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects
  • Starsense technology and Wi-Fi compatibility for effortless stargazing
  • Easy to assemble and transport with a sturdy steel tripod and a single fork arm design
  • SkyAlign technology for quick and easy alignment
  • 2-year warranty and unlimited access to technical support from US-based experts

5. Advanced Vx 6" Refractor Telescope

The Celestron Advanced VX 6-inch Refractor Telescope is the go-to choice for astroimagers who demand high contrast for planetary imaging and brighter deep-sky object viewing. With its advanced computerized GoTo mount, integrated telescope support, alignment, and guiding system, it offers optimum imaging performance for smaller telescopes. The telescope's updated industrial design offers more rigidity, less flexure, and improved aesthetics, enabling seamless viewing or imaging across the meridian without interference from the motor housings. The Celestron Advanced VX 6-inch Refractor Telescope's SkyAlign function is impressive, making computerized aligning fast, easy, and accurate. Users can simply point at any three bright objects in the sky, and the telescope aligns itself.

Pros

  • High contrast for planetary imaging and brighter deep-sky object viewing
  • Advanced computerized GoTo mount for optimum imaging performance
  • Updated industrial design for more rigidity, less flexure, and improved aesthetics
  • SkyAlign function for fast, easy, and accurate computerized aligning
  • Improved motors offer more torque and can handle slight load imbalances with ease

6. Nexstar 130slt: Portable Skyalign Telescope

The Celestron NexStar 130SLT is a computerized star locating telescope that offers a database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more. It is designed to simplify stargazing by automatically locating and tracking celestial objects with ease. Its Newtonian reflector optical design features a large 130mm aperture that allows users to view our Solar System and beyond in brilliant detail. From Saturn's rings and Jupiter's cloud bands to the Moon's craters and the Orion Nebula, the NexStar 130SLT is capable of gathering enough light to reveal these celestial wonders.

This telescope is compact, lightweight, and portable, making it an ideal choice for both adults and kids to use together. Whether you're at your favorite campsite, a dark sky observing site, or simply in your backyard, you can easily transport the NexStar 130SLT to any location. Setting up the telescope is quick and effortless with Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure. Simply center any three bright objects in the eyepiece, and the NexStar SLT will align to the night sky, ready to locate thousands of objects.

Buying the Celestron NexStar 130SLT from an authorized dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from the team of US-based experts at Celestron. This telescope also comes with a bonus free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs that allows users to simulate the sky, learn about celestial objects, and plan observing sessions.

Pros

  • Database of more than 40,000 stars, galaxies, nebulae, and more
  • Newtonian reflector optical design with large 130mm aperture for brilliant detail
  • Compact, lightweight, and portable for easy transport
  • Quick and effortless setup with Celestron's proprietary SkyAlign procedure
  • 2-year US warranty and unlimited support from Celestron's team of US-based experts
  • Bonus free download of Starry Night Special Edition software program

7. Sky-Watcher Portable Refractor For Stellar Photography

The EvoStar series of telescopes is designed to provide you with an outstanding color correction experience for both visual and photographic uses. These telescopes feature a matched doublet objective that includes a synthetic fluorite element. This provides you with excellent color correction that produces tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations.

The proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) and finest quality glass used in these telescopes ensures that you get the best possible viewing experience. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a budding novice, the EvoStar refractors are versatile enough to use as your primary optical tube as your skill-set improves.

These telescopes come with a 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser that makes finding focus an easy and hassle-free experience. The EvoStar 120 comes complete with a foam-lined aluminum hard case, 8×50 Right Angle Correct Image (RACI) Finderscope, 2” Dielectric Diagonal, 5mm and 25mm LET Eyepiece, 1.25” Adapter, Mounting Rings, and a V-Style Dovetail. With everything you need included in one package, you can start observing the night sky right away!

Pros

  • Matched doublet objective with synthetic fluorite element for excellent color correction
  • Proprietary Metallic High-Transmission Coatings (MHTC) and finest quality glass for tack sharp images with accurate color and minimal aberrations
  • 10:1 dual-speed Crayford-style focuser for easy and hassle-free focusing
  • Comes with everything you need to start observing the night sky right away

8. Astronomical Adventure: Portable Refracting Telescope Kit.

Experience the world of astronomy with the Excellent Quality Optics Telescope. This telescope boasts a 600mm(f/6.7) focal length and 80mm aperture, which allows you to capture more light and enhances image brightness and clarity. The all-optical lens is multi-fully high transmission coated, ensuring that you get the best image quality possible.

The telescope comes with two replaceable eyepieces, a 25mm and a 10mm, which provide 24X and 60X magnification respectively. The 3x Barlow lens trebles the magnifying power of each eyepiece, giving you the ability to magnify the moon up to 72 or 180 times. Additionally, the 5×24 finder scope makes locating objects a breeze.

The Excellent Quality Optics Telescope is portable and convenient. It comes with a phone adapter and an adjustable aluminum tripod so that you can capture amazing images with ease. The wireless remote control and carrying bag make it even more convenient for you to take your telescope on the go.

Setting up the telescope is quick and easy, and no tools are required. Even novices can set up the telescope with ease. Focusing is also a breeze, ensuring that you can start observing the night sky in no time.

At Excellent Quality Optics, customer satisfaction is a top priority. The telescope comes with a lifetime maintenance guarantee, and if you have any questions about the product or service, their friendly customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Pros

  • High-quality optics for enhanced image brightness and clarity
  • Comes with two replaceable eyepieces and a 3x Barlow lens for increased magnification
  • Portable and convenient with a phone adapter, adjustable tripod, and carrying bag
  • Quick and easy setup with no tools required
  • Lifetime maintenance guarantee and excellent customer service

9. Celestron 5se Goto Telescope – Skyalign Technology

Experience an amazing stargazing adventure with Celestron’s iconic orange tube NexStar 5SE Computerized Telescope that combines 5 inch Schmidt-Cassegrian optics with updated technology and the latest features. This telescope is perfect for beginners and experienced observers alike.

The 5-inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope packs enough light-gathering capability to deliver impressive views of the Moon and planets, along with deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula. Despite its powerful optics, the telescope retains a compact form factor.

The fully-automated GoTo mount of NexStar SE comes with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects. It locates and tracks the objects for you, making it the perfect telescope for beginners. The telescope is also compatible with StarSense and SkyPortal WiFi.

Setting up the telescope is quick and easy; it takes only a few minutes. The built-in SkyAlign technology helps you align the telescope fast, and when you're done observing, the telescope breaks down into small components for easy storage.

Purchase this telescope with confidence from Celestron, a leading telescope brand in California since 1960. Buying from an Authorized Dealer on Amazon gives you a 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from our team of US-based experts. As a bonus, your Celestron NexStar 5SE includes a free download of Starry Night Special Edition, one of the top-rated astronomy software programs. Simulate the night sky, learn about celestial objects, and plan your observing session.

Pros

  • Powerful 5-inch aperture Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope
  • Fully-automated GoTo mount with a database of over 40,000 celestial objects
  • Built-in SkyAlign technology for quick and easy alignment
  • Compact form factor for easy storage
  • 2-Year US Warranty and unlimited support from US-based experts
  • Free download of Starry Night Special Edition astronomy software program

10. Astromaster Telescope: Beginner's Reflector With Software Package

The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is a high-quality telescope that is perfect for both beginners and advanced users. With its 114mm f/8.8 Newtonian Reflector Telescope, this telescope is able to capture clear and detailed images of the night sky. It comes with a German Equatorial Mount that has setting circles to accurately locate and track sky objects, making it easy for users to navigate the night sky. The mount is also adjustable, allowing users to set it up at their desired height. The tripod is made of full-height steel and includes a deluxe accessory tray that provides ample space for accessories and tools. The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is quick and easy to set up, with no tools required. The package also includes a 20mm eyepiece with a built-in erect image corrector and a standard 10mm eyepiece that provide users with a clear and detailed view of the night sky. The Red-Dot Finderscope helps users to easily locate and track sky objects. Additionally, the package includes a download code for Starry Night Basic Software, which comes with a 36,000 object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images including 3D renderings of stars, exoplanets, and galaxies. With all of these features, the Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality telescope to explore the night sky.

The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is easy to set up and comes with a no-tool setup feature. It is also adjustable and comes with a full-height steel tripod that provides stability and a deluxe accessory tray for storage. The download code for Starry Night Basic Software is also a great addition and provides users with a 36,000 object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images.

The Celestron AstroMaster 114EQ is a great telescope for both beginners and advanced users. It comes with a German Equatorial Mount that has setting circles to accurately locate and track sky objects. The mount is also adjustable, allowing users to set it up at their desired height. The package also includes a Red-Dot Finderscope, making it easy for users to locate and track sky objects.

Pros

  • Easy to set up with no-tool setup feature
  • Adjustable full-height steel tripod provides stability
  • Deluxe accessory tray provides ample space for accessories and tools
  • Download code for Starry Night Basic Software provides users with a 36,000 object database, printable sky maps, and enhanced images
  • German Equatorial Mount with setting circles to accurately locate and track sky objects

Best Telescope For Planets And Deep Space FAQs

Are there specific features or accessories that are necessary for a telescope to effectively view planets and deep space objects?

Yes, there are specific features and accessories that are necessary for a telescope to effectively view planets and deep space objects. One important feature is aperture size, which determines how much light the telescope can gather and therefore how much detail can be seen in the image. A larger aperture allows for better resolution and clarity in the image. Additionally, the telescope should have a high magnification capability and a sturdy mount to prevent shaking and ensure stability during observation. Accessories such as high-quality eyepieces, filters, and a tracking system are also important for optimal viewing. Filters can enhance the contrast and visibility of certain objects, while a tracking system can help keep the telescope focused on a specific object as it moves across the sky. Ultimately, the effectiveness of a telescope for viewing planets and deep space objects depends on a combination of these features and accessories, as well as the skill and experience of the observer.

Can a telescope be used to view both planets and deep space objects, or do different telescopes need to be used for each?

A telescope can indeed be used to view both planets and deep space objects, but different types of telescopes are better suited for each. Planets, being relatively close to Earth, are best viewed through a telescope with a shorter focal length and higher magnification. This allows for more detailed observations of the planet's surface features, such as craters and mountains. Deep space objects, on the other hand, are much farther away and require a telescope with a longer focal length and lower magnification. This allows for a wider field of view and better observation of nebulae, galaxies, and other celestial objects. Additionally, telescopes used for deep space observation often have specialized filters to block out light pollution and enhance the visibility of faint objects. Overall, while a single telescope can be used to view both planets and deep space objects, it is important to choose the right type of telescope for the specific observation.

What is the best time of year to view planets and deep space objects through a telescope?

The best time of year to view planets and deep space objects through a telescope varies depending on the celestial object in question. For example, if you are interested in viewing the planet Mars, the best time to observe would be during opposition, which occurs when the planet is closest to Earth in its orbit. This happens roughly every two years.

Similarly, the best time to view the gas giant Jupiter is during its opposition, which occurs once every 13 months. During opposition, Jupiter is at its brightest and largest, making it easier to see through a telescope.

For deep space objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters, the best time to view them depends on their position in the night sky. Many deep space objects are best viewed during the winter months, when they are highest in the sky.

Overall, the best time of year to view planets and deep space objects through a telescope depends on the specific celestial object and its position in the night sky. It's always a good idea to consult a star chart or astronomy guide to determine the best viewing times.

What is the minimum aperture size needed for a telescope to view planets and deep space objects?

The minimum aperture size needed for a telescope to view planets and deep space objects depends on various factors such as the distance of the object, the clarity of the atmosphere, and the size of the telescope. Generally, a telescope with an aperture size of at least 70mm is required to view planets such as Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars. However, for deep space objects such as galaxies and nebulae, a larger aperture size of 100mm or more is recommended for better clarity and detail. It is important to note that the aperture size is not the only factor that determines the quality of the view, as the quality of the lenses and the stability of the mount also play a significant role in the overall viewing experience. Therefore, when choosing a telescope, it is important to consider all these factors and choose the best option based on your needs and budget.

What type of telescope is best for viewing planets and deep space objects?

The type of telescope that is best for viewing planets and deep space objects is a reflecting telescope. This type of telescope uses mirrors to gather and reflect light, which provides a clearer and more precise image than a refracting telescope.

Reflecting telescopes are also more versatile than refracting telescopes, as they can be designed with a larger aperture to gather more light, which is essential for viewing deep space objects. Additionally, they are easier to maintain and require less frequent cleaning than refracting telescopes.

When choosing a reflecting telescope for viewing planets and deep space objects, it is important to consider the size of the mirror, as well as the focal length and magnification capabilities. A larger mirror will provide greater light-gathering power, while a longer focal length will increase magnification capabilities.

Overall, a reflecting telescope is the best option for amateur astronomers who want to view planets and deep space objects with clarity and precision. With the right equipment and conditions, these telescopes can provide breathtaking views of our universe.

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