Product Dimensions : 34inch D x 30inch W x 50inch H Objective Lens Diameter : 102 Millimeters Power Source : Adapter Optical Tube Length : 381 Millimeters
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If you're just stepping into the world of astronomy, the 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope offers an impressive entry point. With a 130mm aperture and an equatorial mount, this telescope allows beginners and intermediate users to observe the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and even some deep-sky objects like nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. Whether you're a curious teen, a hobbyist, or a parent introducing your child to the cosmos, the 130EQ offers an affordable yet powerful experience for skywatching.
Product Features: How to Choose the Right 130EQ Reflector for You
When selecting a 130EQ Newtonian reflector, you’ll want to consider several key aspects:
Aperture and Optical Power
The 130mm (5.1-inch) aperture is ideal for gathering enough light to provide clear and detailed views of both planetary and deep-sky objects. It’s significantly more powerful than a 70mm or 90mm scope, making it a great balance between price and performance.
Equatorial Mount (EQ)
The “EQ” in 130EQ refers to the German equatorial mount, which is essential for tracking celestial objects smoothly as they move across the sky. This is a big advantage if you plan to observe for long periods or dabble in astrophotography.
Build Quality and Portability
Look for models with aluminum tripods, metal gear slow-motion controls, and collimation adjustments for the mirrors. Some models come with upgraded eyepieces, a smartphone adapter, or a built-in Barlow lens.
Budget Consideration
Most 130EQ models fall in the $180–$300 range, depending on the brand and accessories. Avoid ultra-cheap versions that may cut corners on optics or mount stability.
Recommended Brands
Popular choices include:
Celestron Astromaster 130EQ
Orion SpaceProbe 130ST EQ
Zhumell Z130 (though this uses a tabletop mount)
These brands are known for durability, warranty support, and quality optics.
✨ James Webb Nebula Gallery
Hubble Finds an Hourglass Nebula around a Dying Star
This Hubble telescope snapshot of MyCn18, a young planetary nebula, reveals that the object has an hourglass shape with an intricate pattern of etchings in its walls. A planetary nebula is the glowing relic of a dying, Sun-like star.
Into the Depths of the Lagoon Nebula
Swirling dust clouds and bright newborn stars dominate the view in this image of the Lagoon nebula from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. The nebula lies in the general direction of the center of our galaxy in the constellation Sagittarius.
Observatories Combine to Crack Open the Crab Nebula
Astronomers have produced a highly detailed image of the Crab Nebula, by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire breadth of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves seen by the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) to the powerful X-ray glow as seen by the orbiting Chandra X-ray Observatory. And, in between that range of wavelengths, the Hubble Space Telescope's crisp visible-light view, and the infrared perspective of the Spitzer Space Telescope. This composite image of the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, was assembled by combining data from five telescopes spanning nearly the entire breadth of the electromagnetic spectrum: the Very Large Array, the Spitzer Space Telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, the XMM-Newton Observatory, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. Credits: NASA, ESA, NRAO/AUI/NSF and G. Dubner (University of Buenos Aires) #nasagoddard #space #science
Little gem
This colourful bubble is a planetary nebula called NGC 6818, also known as the Little Gem Nebula. It is located in the constellation of Sagittarius (The Archer), roughly 6000 light-years away from us. The rich glow of the cloud is just over half a light-year across — humongous compared to its tiny central star — but still a little gem on a cosmic scale. When stars like the Sun enter retirement, they shed their outer layers into space to create glowing clouds of gas called planetary nebulae. This ejection of mass is uneven, and planetary nebulae can have very complex shapes. NGC 6818 shows knotty filament-like structures and distinct layers of material, with a bright and enclosed central bubble surrounded by a larger, more diffuse cloud. Scientists believe that the stellar wind from the central star propels the outflowing material, sculpting the elongated shape of NGC 6818. As this fast wind smashes through the slower-moving cloud it creates particularly bright blowouts at the bubble’s outer layers. Hubble previously imaged this nebula back in 1997 with its Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, using a mix of filters that highlighted emission from ionised oxygen and hydrogen (opo9811h). This image, while from the same camera, uses different filters to reveal a different view of the nebula. A version of the image was submitted to the Hubble’s Hidden Treasures image processing competition by contestant Judy Schmidt.
Weighing in on the Dumbbell Nebula
The Dumbbell nebula, also known as Messier 27, pumps out infrared light in this image from NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. Planetary nebulae are now known to be the remains of stars that once looked a lot like our sun.
Cassini Galactic Aspirations
Cassini briefly turned its gaze from Saturn and its rings and moons to marvel at the Carina Nebula, a brilliant region 8,000 light years from our solar system and more than 200 light years across
Ready to Explore the Night Sky?
If you're seeking a powerful, budget-friendly telescope that will grow with your interest in astronomy, the 130EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope is a perfect match. It’s one of the best first telescopes for those serious about learning the sky.
What can I see with a 130EQ Newtonian reflector telescope?You can view the Moon in great detail, Jupiter’s cloud bands and moons, Saturn’s rings, Mars, Venus phases, and deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.
Is the 130EQ suitable for beginners?Yes, it's perfect for beginners who want better views than smaller 70mm or 90mm telescopes. The equatorial mount may have a learning curve, but it offers precise tracking.
Can I use the 130EQ for astrophotography?While it’s not a professional astrophotography setup, you can attach a smartphone or a DSLR for basic moon and planetary imaging. Long-exposure deep-sky photography may require a motorized EQ mount.
Does the 130EQ require frequent maintenance?Minimal. You might need to collimate the mirrors occasionally to ensure clear images. Keep the lenses clean and dry, and store in a padded case.
What's the difference between a Newtonian reflector and a refractor telescope?Newtonian reflectors use mirrors and are generally more cost-effective for larger apertures, while refractors use lenses and are more compact but more expensive per inch of aperture.
