In light of the fact that Earth is in the midst of passing Mars on orbit around the Sun, putting us within about 43 million miles of the red planet over this past weekend, it seems fitting to kick off the week with a kickin' telescope. The new Orion XT12 IntelliScope is a Dobsonian scope that gives outrageously stellar views of planetary objects and Messiers (comets, galaxies, and so forth). Its 12-inch primary mirror is about the biggest you can get on a quality scope for under $1,000. And as most hardcore amateur astronomers will tell you, aperture is critical to serious observing. Massive mirrors like this collect more light, making faint objects brighter.
Because the XT12 sits on a Dobsonian mount, it's rock-steady even in heavy winds, so you won't have to hold your breath to keep objects in the eyepiece. And since the IntelliScope supports an optional computerized object locator, this thing makes it easy for newcomers to start starhopping on the very first night. (Of course, you could save $110 by buying the Classic version with no computer option. It just means you'll have to familiarize yourself with the night sky.) The XT12 IntelliScope sells for $969 at Orion, and the computerized object locator will set you back another $130. But if you're looking for clear views of distant stellar objects, this scope is hard to beat for the money. Just be sure you've got a car that'll carry it; the XT12 is 4' 10" long and weighs 88 pounds when mounted on its stand.
There's still time to catch some great views of the red planet before our orbit pulls us further from Mars. For more on Mars' orbital habits, visit NASA JPL.
