Best Telescope For Deep Space 2024; Reviews

Why GoTo Mounts Are The Best For Deep Space Observations

GoTo mounts can be very helpful in locating deep space objects as these are generally small and dim and not easy to track down.

After being calibrated for your sky, GoTo mounts can locate objects that are difficult, if not impossible, to spot with the naked eye, even under light-polluted city skies.

With a computerized GoTo mount that is able to track the motion of the stars, the telescope you attach to it is up to you. Not only does a GoTo telescope mount make locating objects in the night sky easier, but it also allows you to take long-exposure images.

A GoTo telescope is essential if you wish to capture images of objects, either with your smartphone, or by mounting a DSLR camera to the telescope.

A GoTo telescope can help you learn the sky, too. Using a simple star chart or your astronomy app as a starting reference, you can use your telescope to observe all the major stars and deep space objects such as nebulas, star clusters, galaxies, etc. in a given constellation. Or you can simply wander around the sky. 

All GoTo models have a handheld control pad with buttons for moving the telescope and for selecting objects, and most also feature an illuminated readout to tell you where the telescope is pointed and give you deep space object information.

Eyepieces For Deep Space Observation

Most telescope manufacturers supply one medium power eyepiece with their scopes. Its power is low enough to show you a generous field for deep space observing (but not so low that light pollution masks faint nebulas and galaxies), while still high enough for reasonably-sized planet and star cluster images.

We recommend trying a wide range of powers on any object. (A judiciously chosen, high-quality zoom eyepiece makes this a breeze.) You may be surprised by how much more you’ll see at one power than another.

Using Your Eyes To View Deep Space Objects

This may sound impossible but it’s not. Your observing options will be limited and you may have to drive somewhere dark, but it’s achievable.

The brighter the object and the darker the sky the better the object will look.

The Andromeda Galaxy (or M31, its catalogue number) and open star cluster, the Pleiades, M45, are the most observed deep-sky objects with the naked eye.

The former is best observed away from light pollution, but the Pleiades can be observed even in towns; you should be able to see a fuzzy patch with six to eight bright stars.

Other targets include the Beehive Cluster, M44, and the Hyades.

Deep Space Viewing Tips

• While low magnifications and wide fields of view are typically used for finding deep sky objects, higher magnification has the benefit of darkening the background sky — especially good for someone living in an area with light pollution
• Close doubles and tight clusters (especially globulars) are best seen on nights of steady seeing, while nebulae and galaxies should be saved for nights when transparency is excellent. All deep-sky objects are at their best when on or near the meridian and, therefore, highest in the sky.
• Use direct vision where color perception and resolution are important, and averted vision (looking slightly to one side of the object) for seeing faint details. In the latter case, a dark opaque cloth covering your head down to your shoulders will help prevent unwanted light from streetlights, cars, and the glowing sky itself from ruining your dark adaptation. 
• The later at night you observe, the less light pollution you will have to contend with as the busy world around you shuts down for the night.
• Night vision also is impaired by alcohol, nicotine, and low blood sugar, so don’t drink, smoke, or go hungry while deep-sky observing. 
• Night vision also is impaired by alcohol, nicotine, and low blood sugar, so don’t drink, smoke, or go hungry while deep-sky observing. 
• Most importantly, be patient. If at first you don’t see anything where a star cluster, nebula, or galaxy is supposed to be, keep looking. Then look some more. You’ll be surprised at how much more of the scene glimmers into view with prolonged scrutiny.

Conclusion

The Celestron – NexStar 8SE  is our pick for the overall best telescope for deep space with Schmidt-Cassegrain optics and fully computerized controls that provides outstanding performance. The telescope’s classic design, big 8″ aperture, and great features make this telescope a great choice for beginners and advanced astronomers alike.

SkyWatcher S11810 GoTo Collapsible Dobsonian is our pick for the best dobsonian telescope for deep space.

It features a large 10″ aperture parabolic mirror that captures enough light to make detailed observations of the Moon and planets, and still reach out past our solar system to discover deep space objects such as nebulae, globular clusters, and galaxies. Its f/4.7 focal ratio and Crayford focuser makes this an ideal choice for imaging. Its relatively fast focal ratio enables devices to capture images in less time than slower scopes.

The Celestron CPC 1100 is the largest aperture telescope on our list.

The CPC 1100 takes full advantage of its vast database of thousands of NGC and Abell galaxies as well as delivering a new level of detail to all your favorite deep space objects. This CPC 1100 features Celestron’s premium StarBright XLT coatings.

the Celestron CPC 1100 GPS (XLT) 280mm f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain GoTo Telescope provides users with a complete rig for near- and deep-space observation and astrophotography.