For a beginner, it can be hard to determine what type of telescope to purchase. There are telescopes designed for easy handling by children, but you’re probably looking to take a step further into the more advanced and sophisticated telescopes. If this is the case, then Celestron has constructed a reflector telescope called the AstroMaster 114 EQ specifically for your needs.
The AstroMaster makes use of an easy, no tool assembly process so buyers can have an easier and quicker time putting the main components together. This telescope is collectively known as a beginner’s telescope. It would make sense that the Celestron is easy to use, but it’s also a powerful instrument in its right.
Eye Piece
Depending on the seller, the AstroMaster will come with two eyepieces—10mm and 20mm. The 10mm is a 100x magnification eyepiece while the 20mm is a 50x magnification. This will be helpful in clearing up blurry images of objects near and far.
All in all, the eyepieces of this telescope pack a powerful punch, with many reviewers able to see planets such as Saturn and clear views of the moon’s many craters. Compared to most stars and galaxies, the local planets in our solar system are relatively easy to see, so don’t be afraid to test the Astromaster’s magnification to see what otherworldly views you can discover.
Star Pointer
The star pointer is not all too different from a handheld laser pointer. It attaches to the telescope and fires a laser into the sky to match what you are looking at. If you want to see something during the day, the color of the laser can sometimes be interchangeable, but Celestron’s is primarily red.
Object Database
Purchasing the AstroMaster will also provide you with the SkyX – First Light Edition database. The software has over 10,000-night sky objects stored on star maps(which you can also print) and a variety of HD images that you can look at.
Cool Features
If you’re willing to spend a little more, you can upgrade the AstroMaster to accomplish even more feats.
Have you ever thought about tracking the movement of an object across the sky? It may look like all those stars and planets in the heavens are standing still, but in reality, they are moving at a rapid pace. If you look away from your telescope for a few minutes or even adjust the settings slightly, whatever you were viewing could be miles away in a different part of the sky.
The AstroMaster solves this problem by offering a motor drive that locks on to a particular object of your choosing and tracks its movement across the sky. Even further, the telescope itself automatically adjusts for the curvature and spin of the Earth during the night.
Overall
For the price, the AstroMaster is one of the best telescopes on the market, and it is a worthwhile investment. It also comes equipped with the tripod necessary to maneuver the telescope across a wide range of space. If you’ve outgrown your child’s telescope but aren’t quite ready to make a huge leap into stargazing, the AstroMaster is the right choice for you.