Telescope Buying Guides & Astronomy Tips for Beginners

Shopping for an astronomy gift? Will Montgomery rounds up the 10 best telescopes for beginners and enthusiasts in 2026 — with something for every budget.

Learn how to collimate a reflector telescope step by step — from centering the secondary mirror to nailing primary alignment — so your views are sharp every time.

Can't see anything through your telescope? This guide walks through every common cause — from caps and focus to collimation — with clear fixes for beginners.

Learn exactly how to see Saturn's rings through a telescope — the right magnification, best viewing times, and step-by-step tips for a jaw-dropping first look.

Not sure which beginner telescope to buy? Will Montgomery breaks down the top picks for 2026, covering aperture, mounts, and what you'll actually see.

Deep sky objects offer beginning astronomers some of the most rewarding viewing experiences, but timing matters significantly when planning observation sessions. The visibility of galaxies, nebulae,...