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The large aperture of the Orion SkyQuest XT8 5.9 Classic Dobsonian Reflector Telescope provides you with high-quality nighttime viewing. The larger the mirror and aperture opening, the more light that telescopes can collect from the object being viewed. The more light that's collected, the sharper the image becomes. The sharper the image becomes, the more details you will be able to see.

With its 8-inch parabolic primary mirror, the Orion XT8 5.9 collects a vast amount of light. In addition, the mirror's enhanced coating increases its reflectivity to 94%, transmitting more collected light to the eyepiece. The Orion SkyQuest optical tube also contains reflector optics to further improve the transmission of light. Transmitting as much collected light as possible to the eyepiece provides you with brighter, clearer views of dim, distant objects.

With this Orion classic telescope's 1200-millimeter focal length and moderate-to-high magnification, clear nights should provide crisp views. In fact, the ability to collect as much light as possible is more important to quality viewing than magnification.

The 25-millimeter Sirius Plossl 1.25-inch eyepiece provides a magnification level of 48x with a 52-degree field of vision.

To calculate the maximum useful magnification, double the opening in millimeters or multiply the opening in inches by 50.

The Orion SkyQuest XT8 has a minimum magnification of 29x.

Using the above guideline, a maximum magnification of 400x is all that's needed. On good nights, you should be able to observe faint star clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. You should even see individual stars in the cores of the clusters and some of the structure of the galaxies. Brighter nearby objects should be visible in great detail. You can study the moon's craters, the "canals" on Mars, and the rings of Jupiter and Saturn with ease.

The removable 1.25-inch adapter on the 2-inch Crayford focuser allows it to accept both 2-inch and 1.25-inch accessories. The focuser's mechanism enables you to smoothly and accurately adjust the focus. The focuser substantially reduces backlash and flexure.

Follow an easy procedure to align the Easy Finder II with the telescope, and then turn it on. You will see a red dot in the sight's small, circular viewing window. Moving the telescope to position the red dot over an object creates the proper aim for viewing.

If you ever need to align the mirror, the quick collimation cap helps you accomplish the task effortlessly.

Dust caps for the focuser and telescope are also included along with Starry Night Special Edition software. This user-friendly software displays realistic simulations of the stars in the sky to help you learn more about astronomy.

The Orion CorrecTension Friction Optimization system makes this Dobsonian Orion a breeze to set up. Use the two CorrecTension springs to securely mount the telescope. These heavy-duty springs keep the telescope from drifting off target and help to maintain its balance. The low-profile altazimuth Dobsonian base further stabilizes the scope.

When you want to store or transport your Orion SkyQuest, unhook the CorrecTension springs to separate the two pieces for unencumbered handling.

The telescope's tube measures 46.5 inches long and weighs 20.3 pounds. The Dobsonian base is 19 inches in diameter and weighs 20.7 pounds. When assembled, the entire telescope weighs 41 pounds.

This well-designed and well-crafted telescope has plenty of features that you will continue to appreciate even as your expertise increases.