Moon, planets, star clusters and the Sun can be observed particularly well through this entry-level telescope with plenty of astronomy accessories
Embark on a voyage of discovery through our solar system and beyond using the BRESSER Spica-II reflector telescope. You can start straight away with your new hobby, because this complete astronomy set already comes with everything you need for exciting observations: an astronomical reflector telescope with 130 mm aperture and 1000 mm focal length, an equatorial mount, a tripod and extensive accessories. Perfect for the astro-novice: the system is very easy to use. So look forward to fascinating sights especially of the Moon, the planets and the Sun.
Perfect combination of mirror and lens – the telescope
Using the Spica-II you’ll start your celestial exploration tour with a classic reflecting telescope of the "Newton" type with an additional lens inside the focuser. This combination of mirror and lens is called "catadioptric". It’s immediately noticeable with this type of telescope that you do not look in at the back, but at the front and laterally. What is the advantage? Even if the telescope is pointed vertically into the sky, you can observe the beauties of the night sky in a comfortable posture. In addition, catadioptric telescopes impress with their transportability, because despite the long focal length, the tube is comparatively short.
With its 130 mm aperture, the Spica-II already collects a lot of light from celestial objects. In addition, 130 mm aperture and 1000 mm focal length result in a focal ratio (ratio of aperture to focal length) of 1 to 7.7 (F/7.7). This means you can enjoy an image with good contrast even at high magnifications. Thus, the telescope is well suited for observing the planets and details on the Moon. Even some deep sky objects are worth looking at through this entry-level telescope: admire open star clusters and globular clusters as well as bright so-called planetary nebulae such as the Ring Nebula M57 in the constellation Lyra.
And how big will the nocturnal highlights appear? The 130 mm aperture achieves a resolution that allows magnifications of up to about 260x with sharp images. Technically, even more is possible – theoretically up to 750x with the included accessories. However, as the magnification increases, the sharpness of the image may slowly decrease. In addition, as is so often the case in astronomy, you are also dependent on the prevailing conditions. For example, the air turbulence in the atmosphere (seeing conditions) always plays a role in your magnification possibilities.
Note for nature lovers:
If you choose a Newtonian telescope like the Spica-II reflector telescope, you can look forward to a specialist in astronomical observation. However, the image is always displayed laterally reversed as well as upside down, which makes no difference when observing the sky. However, this type of telescope is less suitable for nature and landscape observation during the day. Would you like to use your new telescope for exciting nature discoveries as well? Then we recommend that you choose one of the BRESSER refractor telescopes.
A good foundation for your astro-start – mount and tripod
If you want to look up at the sky, you need a solid base on the ground. That's why you will find a robust height-adjustable aluminium tripod and an equatorial mount in your telescope set. The special advantage of this type of mount: unlike an azimuthal model, the movement of the celestial bodies is compensated for only on one axis instead of two. For this purpose, one axis of the equatorial mount is aligned parallel to the Earth's axis in the course of the so-called "alignment". This is easily done by pointing it approximately at Polaris. Perfect for convenient adjustment and tracking of the entry-level telescope: the axes can be moved precisely via the two flexible shafts with fine adjustment. And if you simply place smartphone adapter, eyepieces etc. on the convenient storage plate between the tripod legs, you will have the equipment you need quickly at hand.
Everything for the astro-beginner – the accessories
For your start into the wonderful world of astronomy, the Spica-II beginner's telescope comes with lots of accessories. The LED viewfinder, for example, is great for orientation in the night sky. You simply install the direction finder parallel to the actual telescope. It projects a red dot onto a small ground-glass screen that appears to float in front of the sky when you look through it. In this way, it shows you where the telescope is pointing. A great help for the exact alignment of the telescope and the easy location of celestial objects before you gaze at them with higher magnifications.
You determine how detailed you observe your discoveries by using one of the two eyepieces, each of which provides a different magnification. They are fitted with standard 1.25-inch (31.7 mm) diameter sockets which allow them to be easily inserted into the eyepiece focuser of the entry-level telescope. Would you like to look even closer? Then grab the 3x barlow lens, which triples the magnification of the eyepieces in no time.
Explore the astronomical highlight of the daytime sky: With the safe solar filter you can examine sunspots as well as granulation on the Sun.
CAUTION: Never point the telescope at the Sun without the solar filter!
There is also a suitable accessory for your first steps in astrophotography: with the smartphone adapter, you can use your mobile phone as a camera on the telescope. First snapshots of the Moon or Sun made easy!
FEATURES
- Reflector telescope with 130 mm aperture and 1000 mm focal length
- Reflector type catadioptric
- Well suited for observing the Sun, Moon and planets
- Height-adjustable tripod with equatorial EQ3 mount
- Precise adjustment through flexible shafts and fine adjustment in both axes
- Easy to use, very good for beginners
- Focal ratio F/7.7, therefore good for observing the planets and details on the Moon
- 1.25-inch focuser (31.7 mm)
- Two eyepieces and one barlow lens with 1.25-inch (31.7 mm) sockets for different magnifications
- Safe solar observation with the included solar filter
- First steps in astrophotography with smartphone camera adapter
