Most people can look up at the sky at night and see the stars. There might be some light pollution in the way, but stars are one part of the sky that are readily visible. But what about the planets?
Our solar planets might be visible at certain times of night, and if you know how to tell the difference between a planet and a star. But there’s so much more you can’t see. Even the lunar surface is much more detailed with the aid of a good telescope.
If you’re looking for something a little more than reaching the stars, want to examine the rings around Saturn, or view the shifting weather bands of Jupiter, you need a telescope that can see the planets.
These two telescopes, both from Gskyer, are a step up from your average home telescope. They’re perfect for viewing the solar planets in all their majesty.
We’ll talk about the most important features of both telescopes, and the differences in their function, so you can make an informed decision on which you would prefer.
Gskyer Telescope, 600x90mm AZ Astronomical Refractor Telescope – Best Telescope Eyepiece for Viewing Planets
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This telescope, which offers a 90mm aperture and generous 600mm focal length, is perfect for viewing the solar planets. You’ll get to see much of the mesmerizing weather bands on Jupiter, admire the rings of Saturn, and view the phases of Mercury.
The easy operation methods and durable stainless-steel tripod will make you feel like a real pro.
- 90mm Aperture and 600 Focal Length:
A 90mm aperture is a significant improvement over beginner models in the 60-70mm aperture range. Larger apertures, in general, let you see more details, greater distances, and give you a wider view.
If you want to get a clear view of the planets, apertures at and near this size are a good option. Still affordable enough for most users, but with a much more comprehensive view.
Instead of a blurry outline with few details, apertures this size provide a crisp view.
- 3 High Magnification Eyepieces:
The most important part of this article, after all, we are looking at eyepieces, this telescope comes with 3 different eyepieces. A single eyepiece isn’t enough. Simply to get the kind of variability in focus you want when viewing the sky, you should have a couple of eyepieces ready.
That way, you can choose the magnification most suited to the solar body and type of image you want to see.
The 3 eyepieces you get are a 20x, 60x, and 120x. All three are suitable for viewing different solar planets, depending on how closely you want to examine the planet.
- Tool-Free Operation:
One of the big advantages that comes with this telescope is that it’s completely tool-free. No additional equipment needed to make quick adjustments or change your viewing area.
That means less to take with you if you’re going to a dark sky viewing site. It’s also easy to make quick adjustments and view multiple planets in a single session.
That tool-free operation also makes these telescopes kid-friendly.
Gskyer Telescope, 80mm AZ Space Astronomical Refractor Telescope
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Another larger telescope option, which works well for viewing planets and other solar objects, not to mention many bright sky objects. A little smaller than many planetary telescopes, this telescope is reasonable for transport and travel.
If you’re looking for a closer view of Jupiter or want to view the rings around Saturn for yourself, this telescope may be for you.
- 80mm Aperture:
While the 80mm Aperture is a little smaller than the 90mm aperture that also features on our list, it’s still perfectly suitable for viewing solar planets.
This aperture allows for clear pictures. It’s reasonably easy to focus and moves from view to view smoothly and well.
So, while this isn’t the optimal aperture, it’s still a good setup for a home user.
- Optical Coating:
The optical Blue Light coating is designed to make your viewing experience much more comfortable. It acts to protect your eyesight, while also creating a crisper image.
Blue light, the same light that is so concerning coming from our electronics and keeping us up at night, is also a common problem for space viewers.
Not to mention, this kind of light can distort the natural coloration of the planets and make it more difficult to see them.
Applying the coating allows for a clearer view, crisper images, and longer viewing without eyestrain.
- 3 Eyepieces Included:
The three eyepieces included in this set are a 16x, 40x, and 80x. This set of eyepieces grabs the ideal levels of magnification for this aperture, letting you see a range of different viewpoints and detail levels while maintaining a crisp and clear picture.
Each of these eyepieces is suitable for viewing planets and seeing more detail and clarity than many telescopes can provide.
- 1 Year Care Guarantee:
The company also stands by their telescope. Instead of offering a typically limited warranty, they’ve introduced their care guarantee. The care guarantee means that if anything happens to your telescope in the first year, they’ll replace it.
That’s because they build their telescopes for durability and effectiveness. If something goes wrong in that first year, they thought that something was waiting to go wrong in the first place.
- Easy to Set Up:
This telescope is also beginner and kid-friendly. It’s very easy to set up and tear down, moderately durable, and hardwearing for travel.
We appreciate this feature because it makes it easy to decide last minute that you want to take advantage of low-light and cloud-free conditions or want to try and catch the meteor shower through your telescope.
Conclusion:
Viewing the planets is no small task. Stars might be beautiful viewed with the naked eye, but planets are a little more difficult to see. If you’re interested in the weather patterns on Jupiter or want to view the rings of Saturn, these are the telescopes for you.
The multiple eyepieces offered with each telescope are also a major boon to viewers. You’ll be able to see the exact level of detail you want and switch back and forth easily between the different views.
Plus, these telescopes are also compatible with most hone mounts, so you can see the pictures magnified on your phone, or capture images of your planet-viewing adventures.