Having troubles with my new telescope

[gsandra27]

I just got a Tasco Galaxsee 500x4.5 Reflector EQ Telescope. <br />http://tasco.telescopes.com/products/Tasco_500x4.5_Reflector_EQ_929.html<br /><br />So far from what I'm readin Tascos are not very popular. So maybe I made the mistake of buying it.<br />I put it together and jotting outside to go look around. Noticed that I can see great when I'm looking at terrestrial stuff. Trees, buildings what not *they are upside down but heard that was normal with these types of telescopes.*<br />But when it gets dark, and I try to look at stars, I can't seem to see them.<br />I'm not sure if I'm just not using the right eyepiece *I've tried using 20mm, 12.5mm, 10mm and 32mm* or what it is I'm doing wrong.<br />When I do seem to be able to zoom in on something, It looks like it's reflecting the inside piece of the telescope.<br />Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Or is this just a POS telescope and I'm stuck? <br />If it is a POS what will it be good for?<br />Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[harmonicaman]

<i>"...but heard that was normal with these types of telescopes."</i><br /><br />When using your telescope to view terrestrial objects you will need an "Erecting Prism" to turn the objects right side up. This accessory is available from Trashco (look for an "Accessories" page or separate booklet that came with the telescope); you can also buy one online or from most any telescope supplier.<br /><br /><i>"But when it gets dark, and I try to look at stars, I can't seem to see them."</i><br /><br />You probably aren't doing anything wrong. It takes a bit of practice to get used to pointing your telescope and note that the sky is always moving - you have to track celestial objects!<br /><br />Start with the Moon using only your 32mm eyepiece. The Moon is big and bright and easy to find. With a little practice and perseverence you'll be able to locate anything with your telescope.<br /><br />It is also very helpful if your "Finder Scope" is properly aligned...<br /><br /><i>"If it is a POS what will it be good for?"</i><br /><br />Hey; everybody's first telescope seems to be a tasco! You can do a lot with it! You will learn how to use a telescope, for one, and you can really see lots of cool stuff (rings of Saturn, moons of Jupiter, various nebulae, etc., etc.). You can also greatly improve your POS by adding better eyepieces and other accessories (member TFWThom can help you there...)<br /><br />DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN!<br /><br />There are many helpful people in here who can answer any telescope questions you may have!

 

[gsandra27]

Thanks for the reply, here is another question about prisms.<br />I went to telescope.com and looked for a prism, and found a Celestron Diagonal, Erect Image - 45 Degree 1-1/4, does not say anything about not being able to use it with a reflector telescope.<br />But then I look *after the fact of course* and see a question that says:<br /><br />What "image erecting " , eyepieces/ lenses are available for My recently purchased Meade 114EQ-AST Short tube EQ Reflector telescope.<br /><br />and the reply was:<br /><br />The only accessory that i know of that will correct the image in a reflector telescope is made by Zhumell it is called the 1.5x Erecting Eyepiece 1.25"<br /><br />So is that true or will the Celestron eyepiece work just fine?<br /><br />I'm confused now.<br />Thanks for the help, I feel better knowing I am not messing up or anything.<br /><img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[harmonicaman]

I think this prism would work great! And it also works like a Barlow lens; how can you go wrong for $20.<br /><br />Note the 1.25" (or 1¹/₄") number refers to the size of the hole where you insert the eyepieces into your telescope; it is pretty standard for amateur telescopes and you can only use eyepiece accessories that are this size!