| Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews
ASTRONOMY EQUIPMENT REVIEWS | | | | Info | Our goal at Cloudy Nights is to assist amateur astronomers in better understanding the equipment that goes with the hobby. We strive to accomplish this goal in three ways.
* by providing a forum for reviews of telescopes and accessories
* by providing a forum for commentary articles on the many facets of the hobby that touch equipment
* by encouraging and sponsoring events and contests to get kids and beginners interested in the hobby
For most amateurs the decision of which telescope to purchase is a difficult and expensive one. We wish to ease this decision by providing a forum for reviews and commentary articles. Each amateur is different and has different needs and requirements. Part of the education process for an amateur is discovering what their needs are. While one amateur finds that instrument A is perfect for their needs, another amateur may not. Which fits your needs (and is therefor the "best") is for you, the individual reader to decide.
Objectivity Vs Fair-handedness
Cloudy Nights takes the position that writing a truly objective review is impossible. By the simple decision to measure one variable and ignore another, the review has become subjective. Only through the laboratory testing of the same set of variables for every review on Cloudy Nights could we begin to approach an "objective" review. However, even if this were feasible, I doubt most amateurs would find it interesting.
What I propose is the concept of "fair-handedness" in evaluation. Strive in an honest way to show both the good and bad points of a product and resist the urge to over emphasize one or the other. If one product doesn't measure up to the performance of another more expensive product, insure you mention this so the product exists within an economic context. Strive for a balanced review that meets the goal of helping your fellow amateurs.
A Few Words on the Star Test
Amateurs and professionals alike have debated the utility of the star test in evaluating optics. Proponents of the star test feel it is an invaluable tool that will illuminate any optical flaws a telescope may have. Skeptics of the star test feel it is a specialized tool best used by qualified and experienced people for the purpose of answering specific optical questions.
Cloudy Nights takes no stand on this issue. We politely request those authors wishing to include star testing results in their article to ask themselves two questions;
1. Do I truly understand the star test and feel confident in my results?
2. How are the results pertinent to the readers - in other words what question are you answering by including your star test results?
Opinions Matter
The number one request Cloudy Nights receives from readers is for authors to state their opinions in their articles. As you review a product or write a commentary don't be afraid to state your thoughts. Tell folks what you think and how you arrived at those thoughts. You experienced/used/are knowledgeable on the subject of your article and your opinion matters to folks reading it. Do them a favor - tell them what YOU think. Just insure you state it in a manner so it's clear it's your opinion and not some sort of fact. | | |
| |
Close Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews
View astronomy entries in : Astronomy Information & Education, Astronomy Internet Communities
Back to main directory | |
|
|
