ActiveOutdoorsOutdoor TechWhich telescope is best for viewing planets?The planets are the first thing most beginners want to see up close, but you’ll need a ‘slow’ telescope to get the best views. Here’s how to find the right telescope for viewing planetsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveOutdoorsOutdoor TechWhich telescope is best for viewing planets?The planets are the first thing most beginners want to see up close, but you’ll need a ‘slow’ telescope to get the best views. Here’s how to find the right telescope for viewing planetsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The planets are the first thing most beginners want to see up close, but you’ll need a ‘slow’ telescope to get the best views. Here’s how to find the right telescope for viewing planets
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Planet Volumes on Unsplash)
(Image credit: Planet Volumes on Unsplash)
You can name every planet in the solar system, but have you ever seen them up close with your own eyes? From tiny Mercury to distant Neptune, all eight planets can be glimpsed in a telescope if you know where and when to look, though the what telescope you buy will make a huge difference to the views you get. Here’s everything you need to know about choosing thebest telescopeto see planets.
If you’re new to stargazing, our guides to thebest telescopes for beginners,how to choose your first telescope, andhow to set up a telescope, will help you get started.
What size telescope do you need to see planets?
According to Celestron, Maksutov-Cassegrain and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes make good planet-spotters. You can see most of the planets – and certainly Mars, Jupiter andSaturn– through almost any small telescope such as a 50mm/2-inch refractor and a 25mm eyepiece. However, you’ll get the best views of planets (as well as the Moon) if you use a telescope with a bigger aperture, long focal length and a ‘slow’ focal ratio.
The aperture is the size of the mirror or lens, with telescopes about 102mm/4-inch or 125mm/5-inch in size perfect for Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn (as well as for the Moon). For Neptune and Uranus you’ll need an 8-inch telescope.
What focal length do you need to see planets?
What magnification do you need to see planets?
When is the best time to see planets?
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As inner planets between Earth and the Sun, Mercury and Venus are usually close to the Sun and typically visible in the east just before sunrise or in the west just after sunset. Outside of those dates, here are some morethings to aim your telescope at.
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