Question 1

Why is this telescope considered better than the Celestron 127EQ PowerSeeker Telescope with 5 inch diameter and this 4.5?

Accepted Answer

Jon Groubert is exactly right -- Bird-Jones Newtonian telescopes are very hard to collimate! Take it from somebody who mistakenly got a Bird-Jones when first starting out. Plus these cheaper-to-make Newtonian variants usually have a cheaper spherical primary mirror rather than the parabolic mirror any true Newtonian should have. Anytime you see a Newtonian telescope whose focal length is roughly double the length of the tube, be very suspicious.

Diagram: Spherical vs Parabolic Primary Mirror

https://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/groundup/lesson/basics/g12/

Question 2

Has anyone used this yet to locate galaxies and nebulae? Have you had to buy any additional eyepieces or anything else to be able to fully use it?

Accepted Answer

The AstroScan is actually better suited to deep sky objects than it is to planets. No scope of its size will reach the faintest galaxies, but it will show you M31 (The Andromeda Galaxy), its companions M32 and M110.  Those galaxies are visible in bright suburban skies. Also M81/M82 show nicely in only slightly dark skies. In dark skies it shows M51, but this galaxy pair resembles a puff of cotton.The scope can show you nebulae galore. The Orion Nebula, The Rosetta and Lagoon nebulae show up nicely. The Dumbbell Nebula is also very nice, as is the Eskimo Nebula. The list goes on, and you will see many globular clusters as well. These objects can be seen from suburban skies.Yes, you can always use more eyepieces. This scope comes with two, and they are sufficient for the kind of viewing just described. You may want an intermediate power piece. I like to use an extra low power eyepiece, because it helps to aim. I lay a green laser pointer on the side of the scope and position the beam so that I can see it at low power through the eyepiece. Then I look up and aim the beam where I like. When the beam is in the vicinity, I look back into the scope to center it.This is a fairly small scope, and for a small scope it is very good. Aside from an eyepiece, you may wish to buy (or find) a small folding table on which to place the instrument - and a lawn chair of appropriate size for viewing. The volume, Turn Left At Orion, is another worthwhile addition.

Question 3

how does this compare to the Edmonds Scientific Astroscan? My main goal woudl be to just play a bit, and introduce my 10 year old Grandaughter to it.

Accepted Answer

I'm not familiar with the Astroscan. I can say that this is a small, portable, easy to use scope that performs well. I got mine as a gift for a six year old and she had no trouble carrying it. If your granddaughter has a spark of interest in astronomy, this should bring it out.

Question 4

how do you transport this scope? I want to take it on a camping trip. Is there a padded bag that fits this?

Accepted Answer

no padded bag included youll have to get your own and its easy to carry arround then my large 10 dobsonian

Orion StarBlast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope for Beginners - Compact & Portable for Travel or Backyard Astronomy - Includes Eyepieces and Accessories

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