Four centuries ago, Galileo Galilei first used the telescope to study the heavens, which led to an earth-shaking discovery - contrary to long-held Aristotelian claim, the Earth is not the center of the universe. It just revolves around the Sun.

The revelation led to his persecution by the Catholic Church, whose current pope, Benedict XVI, now praises Galileo for setting the astronomical facts straight. Thanks to the telescope and the Italian who had the idea of seriously pointing it to the night sky, we now distinguish astronomy from astrology and cosmic myths.

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first time Galileo used the telescope, the United Nations declared 2009 as the Year of Astronomy. Perhaps it's time for more individuals to take a better look at the sky too. And for that you need a telescope.

Some observatories are kind enough to let laypeople have a short peek into their telescopes. And we've all seen photographs of colorful, awe-inspiring images of galaxies made possible by the Hubble telescope. But nothing beats the convenience of having your own telescope right at home.

You don't need the Hubble or the Kepler telescope to make an amazing discovery. Amateurs in a less-known neck of the woods (in Cebu, Philippines, to be exact) have discovered that Jupiter doesn't only have one red spot; it has two other smaller ones in fact. And they saw those spots using telescopes no bigger than their own bodies.

Let us take a look at the two basic types of telescopes amateurs use: the reflector telescope and the refractor telescope.

The reflector telescope is ideal for beginners. This is because it doesn't give distorted images. It uses mirrors that are opposite to the lenses that collect, reflect, and focus the light for better viewing. It is also known as the 'Newtonian reflector,' in memory of the great Isaac Newton.

The refractor telescope, on the other hand, uses lenses to refract the light. It is reliable and easy to use for terrestrial viewing at daytime.

Speaking of the price, reflectors are cheaper than refractors. If you're a newbie, you can try the cheaper kind first. But generally, it's not an expensive hobby. Commercial telescopes cost just around $500. A pair of powerful binoculars makes a good alternative if you only have $200 in your pocket.

The latest design in amateur astronomy telescopes offers the best of both types. The catadiotrophic telescope is scientifically and commercially designed with the characteristics of both the reflector and refractor. It uses both lenses and mirrors to help you magnify distant and small space objects with ease.

And which telescope brands will you choose? Most amateur astronomers suggest these manufacturers: Meade, Bushnell, Orion, and Celestron.



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What does it take to become an astronomer? Well, curiosity is a requisite. It's what fuels you to look at the night sky, wondering about outer space, its objects and energies, how the universe began and the sheer magnificence of its lights and vastness.

If you want to make a career out of 'stargazing,' it may not be enough to just look skyward at night or name the constellations. Being an astronomer entails a lot of work, observations and academic studies, and one has to network with other astronomers and secure funds for equipment purchase and upkeep and other expenses.

But astronomy, which has gained steadily increasing popularity among 'stargazers' the world over, is not just for people with PhD's in planetary science or astrophysics. There are a watchful army of observers armed with simple telescopes, keeping their eyes on certain sections of the night sky.

Amateur astronomers have in fact made some contributions to astronomical studies. Gazers in Cebu, Philippines, for instance, have discovered the two more red spots on planet Jupiter.

To help you get started in astronomy, here are some things you need to have:

Telescope(s). You may try good reflectors, which are far cheaper to start with and provide better viewing. If you want, you can try out the popular telescopes from Meade, Orion, Bushnell and Celestron. These are the leading manufacturers of quality telescopes for astronomy amateurs. If you want to make your own telescope, simply find some do-it-yourself instructions on the web and purchase the parts.

Map. You can download stargazing maps from some websites. You can't just point your telescope at any direction without any clue of what you're looking at. The sky is too wide and you need a good telescope to locate certain heavenly objects accurately.

Astronomy book. Studying astronomy is a lot of headwork. Your observations must be guided by theories and information on astronomy. Although there is a multitude of astronomy books out there in the library, you may also surf the internet, or try "Turn Left at Orion," which also teaches you how to use your telescope.

Notebook. Jot down your observations, impressions and discoveries, be it on a paper notebook, a handheld gizmo or a computer.

The stars look good from way up there at night. They beckon. And astronomy needs more eyes checking the wide sky for - take your pick - stars, planets, systems, galaxies, comets, meteors, asteroids, near-earth objects, and a lot more. But first, you have to be curious enough.



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Stars are out of reach. But, there is a way to soar at the top and let countless stars be captured by one sense organ. Know what it is? Definitely it is not your skin. That takes a hundred lifetimes. Do not scratch your head. Look above and peer into the stars and that's it. You can capture the stars with the use of your eyes! But have you done a lot of stargazing ever since?

Acknowledging the truth that no one can conquer the swiftness of time, not even H.G. Wells, and the light years distance of stars, it will soon launch and land on your mind that it is possible to watch the stars at a seemingly short distance. How to do it? Thanks to the mothers of scientists, scientists have given birth to gadgets that can make us peer not only into the twinkling stars, but to the balls of fires light years away from us. To be specific, let me welcome you to Bushnell telescope guide, your guide towards the stars up in the sky.

Bushnell telescopes are the best in the land today. No wonder because its years of expertise have given its manufacturers enough mind food to find out what telescopes will satisfy its users. With utmost commitment, Bushnell caters to the optical needs of professionals and professional wannabes. Hence, all sorts of telescopes Bushnell offers come in three variants namely reflector, refractor, and compact.

For beginners, there are telescopes at least as many as the fingers in one hand of any animated character that can be purchased now. Help me count with your fingers as I enumerate the binoculars. For one, there is Bushnell NorthStar Series Telescope which uses push-button controls to send your eyes near to the 20,000 objects at the firmament. Plus, there is real voice output that can make you interact with the shimmering night sky.

Number two, there is Bushnell Telescope Discoverer Series which can take you beyond the sky. Possible? Definitely yes right when you peer into this telescope. Like the previous, it has real voice output with a real human voice to guide your eyes on their journey towards the celestial treasures above. With RVO, you will be personally introduced to each constellation. That's an interactive way of making friends with the stars.

Right now, hold your longest finger because it's Bushnell Telescope Voyager Sky Tour Series turn to be known. This telescope with a long name gives amateur's eyes a pro-grade audio voyage into the sky. Aside from the talking handset that introduces you to the constellations, it is equipped with Illuminated Smart Mount that pin points the way teacher does to the stars being referred to.

At your forefinger spot is the Bushnell Telescope Harbor Master Series that comes with tripod legs incapable of walking but just standing up. Beneath this classic telescope is a completely modernized high powered 35x 76mm telescope able to give you brilliant images and sharp as samurai blades resolution.

The foregoing are just four of the many telescopes Bushnell can offer. If you want more, visit their official site. Be sure you will read the reviews and features to come up with the best eye tour guide you can possibly have.



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In March, the launch abort system - also known as the LAS pathfinder - for NASA's Orion crew exploration vehicle began a week-long journey across US to be delivered to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where it will help NASA prepare for the first abort system test, known as Pad Abort 1. The LAS pathfinder represents the size, outer shape and specific mass characteristics of Orion's abort system. This has created waves about Orion.

Orion, as you know, will become Nasa's primary vehicle for human space exploration after the shuttle retires in 2010. It will carry astronauts to the International Space Station and eventually to the moon and beyond. The vehicle is scheduled to begin carrying humans to the International Space Station in 2015. For its return to Earth, Orion will be equipped with a system of parachutes and shock absorbers.

Orion is making a big splash. A mock-up of the spacecraft that will carry the next generation of astronauts to the moon and beyond is traveling down the East Coast and undergoing tests to help NASA understand its performance in water.

'One feature is its high mobility,' writes Nasa on its website. 'Each set of wheels can pivot individually in any direction, giving the vehicle the ability to drive sideways, forward, backward and any direction in between' - a bit like a supermarket trolley.

The LAS pathfinder - for NASA's Orion crew exploration vehicle began a week-long journey across US to be delivered to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where it will help NASA prepare for the first abort system test, known as Pad Abort 1. The LAS pathfinder represents the size, outer shape and specific mass characteristics of Orion's abort system.

NASA really led in the space technology section and here once again it make the technology wall more strong by contributing LAS path finder. Innovation is the hobby of NASA and valuable move proof its researchers hard working. Its preparation for the first abort system test, known as Pad Abort 1 can be declared here as IT bomb on the tree of technology.



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