Best telescopes for seeing planets in 2024

The best telescopes for seeing planets can give you incredible views of celestial bodies and open your eyes to parts of the solar system you might never have seen before. Whether it's Venus, Mars, Jupiter or Saturn, Jovian cloud tops or Saturn and its rings, you can experience the magic of observing them with your eyes instead of on a screen.

Planets are obviously distant objects in the night sky. However, they're also very bright, which makes them very good subjects to observe using a telescope. You'll want a model with great resolution and a high magnification range to be able to view planets as clearly as possible. Our expert reviewers have tested and rounded up the very best telescopes you can buy right now, including options for different budgets, skills and needs.

If you're interested in skywatching more broadly, take a look at our guide to the best telescopes, or to the best beginner telescopes if you're just starting out on your astronomy journey. The best binoculars can also be a powerful (and portable!) accessory for skywatching, especially if you intend to be on the go a lot. If you're looking for a gift for the budding astronomers in your family, then our guides to the best telescopes for kids and best binoculars for kids may be just what you're looking for.

Tom Kerss profile photo in front of aurora borealis
Tom Kerss

Tom Kerss F.R.A.S. is a London-based astronomer, astrophotographer, author and consultant. Having previously worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, he is the founder of Stargazing✦London, which delivers world-class online astronomy and space courses with subject experts. Tom is also the host of the Star Signs podcast, providing updates from the world of space news, as well as what to look out for in the night sky.

The quick list

See our quick list below if you want to dive right in, or scroll further down for more detailed reviews of each product.

Best telescopes for seeing planets we recommend in 2024

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Best telescope overall

Best telescope overall: A best-selling telescope for viewing the planets, stars and far beyond

Specifications

Optical design: Schmidt-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 8-inch / 203.2 mm
Focal length: 2032 mm
Highest useful magnification: 180x
Supplied eyepieces: 25 mm
Weight: 32 lbs / 14.48 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent value for money
+
Incredibly bright and sharp images

Reasons to avoid

-
Big financial investment
-
Needs 8 x AA  batteries or an optional power supply
Buy it if

You're looking for outstanding optics: this telescope produces incredibly bright and sharp views of the planets and moons in our solar system.

✅ You like to get hands-on with your telescope: the effective handheld remote on this telescope will suit anyone who prefers traditional telescope controls over using an app.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're a beginner exploring stargazing for the first time: this telescope is a significant investment, so unless you have a very comfortable budget we'd recommend starting out with a simpler, more affordable model.

❌ You want to be able to control your telescope with an app: some of the other models on this list, such as the Celestron Astro Fi 102, offer a more app-friendly design.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron NexStar 8SE: While an expensive investment, it will last for decades and is one of the best you can buy. Experienced astronomers will love the motorized mount and the option to add accessories. It makes a great companion for astrophotographers too. ★★★★½

Coming from Celestron’s extremely successful range of NexStar telescopes, we found it easy to see why this is their star buy when we took it for a spin in our Celestron NexStar 8SE review. The high-quality Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design means that this scope absorbs a phenomenal amount of light, enabling you to not only see the planets in a huge amount of detail but opening up a range of deep-sky objects as well. 

Smaller apertures are available in the NexStar 4SE, 5SE and 6SE models, but none compare to the awe-inspiring views offered by this 8-inch aperture, which lets in a whopping 78% more light than the NexStar 6SE.

While the Celestron NexStar 8SE comes with a price tag of around $1,500, its capabilities and features make it a valuable investment for beginners to experienced astronomers. With a database of 40,000 celestial objects and a 'tour mode' guiding you through popular targets, it provides a user-friendly experience for those not well-versed with the night sky.

The motorized single fork arm mount allows you to smoothly slew to your selected object using the handheld remote. Once it's aligned, the NexStar 8SE provides crystal clear views across the entire field of view, and it's compatible with many accessories.

Although the price is high, we were impressed by its durable build, including a sturdy steel tripod that's easily portable for dark sky sites. With proper care, this telescope has the potential to last for decades. If it fits your budget, the quality justifies the investment. However, if it's a bit beyond your budget, the rest of the list offers competitive alternatives that are worth considering.

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Celestron NexStar 8SE
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSolid scope with a hands-on feel.★★★★★
PerformanceOutstanding optics and sharp views.★★★★★
FunctionalityQuick to set up and store away.★★★★

Best for planetary imaging

Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD on a tripod set against a white background

Although a premium price, you'll be rewarded with outstanding high-resolution images on a scope that's built to last. (Image credit: Amazon)

Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD

Best for planetary imaging: The CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD has uncompromising power and clarity

Specifications

Optical design: Modified Schmidt-Cassegrain reflector
Mount type: Computerized fork mount
Aperture: 11-inch / 280 mm
Focal length: 2800 mm
Highest useful magnification: 661x
Supplied eyepieces: 23 mm (122x)
Weight: 93 lbs / 42.2 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra-high resolution
+
Super sturdy mount and tripod
+
Precision GoTo and tracking

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one eyepiece supplied
-
Very heavy
-
Astronomically expensive
Buy it if

✅ You want the biggest aperture you can get: its 11-inch high-performance mirror is the biggest on our list, offering huge magnification.

✅ Planetary imaging is your primary goal: this telescope can render even the most distant planets in fine detail.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: this telescope is astronomically expensive and there are many cheaper models out there.

❌ You don't want to be buying extra accessories: this telescope only comes with one eyepiece supplied in the box.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD: if your budget can stretch to it, this telescope will give you an incredible view of the surface of any planet in our solar system, with magnification to spare. ★★★★½

Taking images of planets is a captivating hobby, and luckily, you can get started with any telescope that has a tracking mount. If you're serious about capturing images of our neighboring worlds, you'll need a telescope with a large aperture.

The CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD's large 11-inch main mirror brings out intricate details on the surfaces of distant planets. This increased resolution provides more data for imaging sensors. Even for less challenging targets like Venus and Jupiter, it reveals remarkable details. Casual observers can easily spot features such as deserts, polar ice caps and dust storms on Mars.

The CPC mount is dependable and robust, offering precise tracking for extended imaging sessions. If you're interested in deep-sky astrophotography, you can convert it into an equatorial platform using a wedge. Although it has some weight, two people can easily set up and take down this telescope in the field within minutes.

Keep in mind that the package includes only one eyepiece, so you might want to budget for additional ones, especially if you're keen on planetary imaging. Fortunately, there's an upgrade option available if planetary imaging does become a significant interest.

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Celestron CPC Deluxe 1100 EdgeHD
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSolid but heavy design.★★★★
PerformanceUltra-high resolution and detail.★★★★★
FunctionalityGood but only one eyepiece supplied.★★★★

Best for portability

The Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso set against a white background

With a tube just 28cm long, the Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso is a truly portable telescope. (Image credit: Sky-Watcher)

Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso

Best for portability: A compact, high-power tabletop astronomy with auto-tracking

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain reflector
Mount type: Dobsonian (table top tracking version)
Aperture: 3.5-inch / 90 mm
Focal length: 1250 mm
Highest useful magnification: 180x
Supplied eyepieces: 10 mm (125x) and 25 mm (50x)
Weight: 11.5 lbs / 5.1 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Ultra compact design 
+
Built-in tracking
+
Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
No optical finder
-
Exposed front lens
-
Red dot finder could be improved
Buy it if

✅ You want something extremely portable: this telescope is ideal for taking with you on night-time adventures out in the field, or even taking on holiday with you.

✅ You're looking for great imagery: you'll get rich colors and high contrast with this telescope.

✅ You want neat and easy tracking: the built-in tracking on this telescope makes it easy to navigate the night sky.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're worried about lens damage: the lens on the front of this model is quite exposed.

❌ You want a highly effective red dot finder: we thought that red dot finder on this telescope could definitely be improved, though it was fine for basic positioning.

The bottom line

🔎 Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso: as the most portable option on our list, this would be a great choice for those who like to take their telescope on stargazing trips out in the field. ★★★★½

The Heritage-90 Virtuoso, despite its small size, delivers powerful performance. It employs two mirrors and a meniscus lens, squeezing a significant 1.25m focal length into a tube that's only 28cm long — its portability distinguishes it from some of the other models we've included in this list. When using a comfortable 7mm eyepiece, it can reach its highest effective magnification. 

The Maksutov-Cassegrain design is recognized for providing sharp and high-contrast images, akin to a refractor telescope. This design excels in observing planetary surfaces and atmospheres, showcasing details like the bands and moons of Jupiter. The Heritage-90 Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope perfectly embodies this design, delivering impressive planetary views at a budget-friendly price.

The included red dot finder isn't the best, but the motorized Virtuoso mount makes it easy to point the telescope at objects in the sky. The smooth slewing controls allow you to track objects as they move across the sky, making it easier to keep them in view.

You can upgrade the mount at any time via Sky-Watcher's Synscan GoTo device, giving it the ability to find more than 40,000 objects in the night sky for you automatically. It can also track the sky to counteract the Earth's rotation, keeping your object of interest within the field of vision at all times. 

If you are interested in a more powerful telescope with a similarly compact design and want to fast-track to the complete GoTo system, you might want to check out the Heritage-90's big brother, the Skymax-127 Virtuoso GTI.

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Sky-Watcher Heritage-90P Virtuoso
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSuper compact and portable.★★★★★
PerformanceGreat colors and contrast.★★★★
FunctionalitySmooth slewing and tracking.★★★★

Best for beginners

Best for beginners: Experience fantastic views of the moon and planets and practice some basic astrophotography

Specifications

Optical design: Refractor
Mount type: Alt-Azimuth
Aperture: 3.94-inch / 70 mm
Focal length: 660 mm
Highest useful magnification: 241x
Supplied eyepieces: 20 mm (33x) and 10 mm (66x)
Weight: 20 lbs / 9.07 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Sharp views of the planets
+
Lightweight but stable tripod
+
Smartphone adaptor

Reasons to avoid

-
Some chromatic aberration
-
Not the best for deep-sky observations
-
Manual altazimuth mount
Buy it if

✅ You want a multifunctional telescope at an affordable price: the innovative smartphone mount will allow you to try your hand at some basic astrophotography along with your stargazing.

✅ You're mainly interested in viewing the planets and the moon: this telescope does a good job of bringing the planets and moon into sharp focus, but it doesn't let in enough light for deep-sky viewing.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to view deep-space objects: though this telescope can view some more distant objects, the aperture isn't up to true deep-space observation.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope: with some nice additional features like a smartphone mount and built-in red light, this telescope is a great way for beginners to start exploring the moon and planets. ★★★★

When we reviewed the Celestron Inspire 100AZ refractor telescope, we found it to be a great telescope for beginners looking to get a better view of the moon and the planets without breaking the bank. It sits at between $300 - $350, making it one of the most affordable options on this list, but the trade-off is that you don't get a fancy motorized mount with this telescope. Instead, it comes mounted on a simple altazimuth mount that allows for manual movement via the panhandle, so you might want to pair it with a stargazing app if you don't yet have the confidence to navigate the night sky on your own.

This telescope offers a neat feature for astrophotography enthusiasts — the lens cap also functions as a smartphone mount, allowing you to capture stunning photos of planets and the night sky with your phone. It's a lightweight telescope that we found easy to set up and take down, however, it's worth noting that the optical tube is 26 inches (660mm) long, so it does require a bit of space.

Although the 4-inch aperture may not gather sufficient light for distant celestial objects, this telescope offers a decent view of the planets, particularly with the 20mm eyepiece. We observed detailed moon craters and even caught a glimpse of Andromeda (M31) along with some of the brighter star clusters.

It may not be the best telescope out there, but we think it's a solid choice for beginners and offers good value for the money, with some fun extra features.

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Celestron Inspire 100AZ
AttributesNotesRating
DesignEasy to set up and take down.★★★★
PerformanceGood for viewing the moon and planets.★★★
FunctionalityHandy additional features.★★★★

Best combination package

The Celestron Omni XLT 102 placed against a white background

The telescope/mount combination of Celestron's Omni XLT 102 telescope doesn't require any tools, making it friendly to newer and younger observers. (Image credit: Celestron)

Celestron Omni XLT 102

Best combination package: A solid refractor with a sturdy mount and tripod

Specifications

Optical design: Doublet refractor
Mount type: Equatorial
Aperture: 4-inch / 102 mm
Focal length: 1000 mm
Highest useful magnification: 204x
Supplied eyepieces: 25 mm (36x)
Weight: 43 lbs / 19.5 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Solid optics and mechanics
+
Sturdy equatorial mount
+
Optical finder

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one eyepiece supplied
-
Not great for deep space objects
-
Can be upgraded with an auto-tracking kit
Buy it if

✅ You want something sturdy: the mount on this telescope is well matched to its weight and feels solid and substantial.

✅ You're looking for an equatorial mount: this telescope package comes with an effective equatorial mount that can even be operated one-handed. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're particularly interested in deep-space objects: this telescope gives detailed views of the planets, but isn't quite up to viewing deep-space objects.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron Omni XLT 102: this telescope offers a nice combination package that feels sturdy and robust. It includes an equatorial mount and can give you a detailed view of the planets. ★★★★

The Celestron Omni XLT 102 is a unique package featuring a high-quality telescope and mount combination. It's easy to set up and doesn't require any tools, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers.

The 4-inch F/10 achromat gives fine views, and its focal length makes it a good match for some of the best planetary eyepieces. Unfortunately, only one eyepiece is supplied in the box, but with the addition of a 10mm and Barlow lens (take a look at our best eyepieces guide), you can achieve a magnification of 36x, 72x, 100x and 200x. At this top end, the Omni XLT 102 will provide you with some lovely details of our neighboring planets.

Celestron also sells a 120mm model (read our Celestron Omni XLT 120 review) and a 150mm version of this telescope. Keep in mind that all three models feature the same CG-4 equatorial mount, although the larger ones might come close to the weight limit of the mount. Despite this, we found the mount to be stable during use, quickly damping any vibrations.

Being an equatorial mount (where the polar axis is parallel to the Earth's rotation), it might take some getting used to, but soon you'll find that it makes tracking planets easy and manageable with just one hand. For those seeking a fully hands-free experience, Celestron provides a separate dual-axis auto-tracking upgrade kit that can be installed at any time.

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Celestron Omni XLT 102
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSturdy equatorial mount.★★★★
PerformanceHigh magnification of planets.★★★★
FunctionalityCan be improved with added accessories.★★★

Best for precision

The Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO (HEQ5 PRO SynScan) on a white background

Although relatively heavy, this is still a compact scope that is easily portable. (Image credit: Sky-Watcher)

Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO (HEQ5 PRO SynScan)

Best for precision: The Skymax-180 PRO provides stunning high-contrast, high-power views

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain reflector
Mount type: Computerized equatorial mount
Aperture: 7.1-inch / 180 mm
Focal length: 2700 mm
Highest useful magnification: 540x
Supplied eyepieces: 28 mm (96x)
Weight: 25 lbs / 11.3 kg

Reasons to buy

+
High-end refractor performance
+
Precision heavy-duty mount
+
Large optical finder

Reasons to avoid

-
Only one eyepiece supplied
-
Sizeable investment
-
Relatively heavy (but compact)
Buy it if

✅ You're looking for excellent optics: the images produced by this telescope are sharp, vibrant and detailed.

✅ You want a larger aperture: the 7.1-inch primary mirror on this telescope performs incredibly well.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want something that's very portable: although this telescope is relatively compact, it's still quite heavy to move around.

❌ You're on a tight budget: this is quite a pricey telescope and there are plenty of more affordable options out there.

The bottom line

🔎 Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO: this telescope is a beast when it comes to optics and produces incredible views of the planets and moons, but it's quite an investment. ★★★★

The Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO is designed specifically for exploring the solar system. Its long focal length and high-resolution optical system deliver flawless views of the planets, capturing vibrant details similar to a more expensive apochromatic refractor. A 7.1-inch primary mirror also provides enough light to reveal many of the moons in our solar system. 

We thought the included 2-inch/28mm eyepiece didn't fully unlock the telescope's potential, so we'd recommend investing in a more powerful 8mm or 10mm planetary eyepiece that will further enhance its optics.

The Skymax-180 PRO is mounted on a robust HEQ5 PRO equatorial mount, specifically crafted to handle substantial weights for optimal precision and stability. This setup is perfect for various photography applications, such as detailed planetary and lunar imaging and capturing images of various deep-sky objects.

If you plan to purchase another telescope in the future, it is beneficial to 'over-mount' the scope. This means choosing a mount rated for a heavier payload than the telescope you currently have so that you won't have to upgrade the mount in the future. It will also provide additional stability, especially at higher magnifications.

Many visual observers and astrophotographers favor the Skymax-180 PRO paired with the HEQ5 PRO mount. This versatile and robust combination is suitable for a variety of applications, making it an excellent all-in-one choice.

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Sky-Watcher Skymax-180 PRO
AttributesNotesRating
DesignExcellent optical system.★★★★
PerformanceHigh-resolution, vibrant views.★★★★
FunctionalityWorks best with extra eyepieces.★★★★

Best for functionality

A motorized Mak-Cass, this telescope has go-to functionality for a reasonable price

Specifications

Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
Mount type: Computerized Alt-Azimuth Single Fork Arm
Aperture: 4-inch / 102 mm
Focal length: 1325 mm
Highest useful magnification: 132.5x
Supplied eyepieces: 25 mm and 10 mm
Weight: 6 lbs / 2.7 kg

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and portable
+
Fairly priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't feel premium to the touch
-
Limited room for growth
Buy it if

✅ You're a beginner: we think this is a great option for beginners because it doesn't require any prior knowledge.

✅ You want something portable: this telescope is lightweight and convenient for taking out in the field with you.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're looking for great optics: there is some image fall-off around the edge of the field of view.

❌ You like the feel of a premium product: this telescope is mostly housed in plastic and we found the tripod a bit flimsy.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron AstroFi 102: this telescope would suit beginners who want to use an app and plan on taking their telescope out and about. ★★★½

Ideal for beginners with an interest in technology and a desire to explore the planets, the Celestron Astro Fi 102 offers a closer look. While the initial setup of the motorized mount might take some time, it becomes user-friendly with the SkyPortal app, compatible with both iOS and Android.

The app, which we found worked seamlessly during our Celestron Astro Fi 102 review, features approximately 100k celestial objects, which you can tell the instrument to slew to automatically. It slews quietly and quickly, and you can even use a USB video game controller to position the scope, which is a desirable feature for gamers who are used to the layout of their controllers.

While the telescope may not have the premium feel of some high-end models, its lightweight and portable design makes it ideal for carrying to various stargazing locations. However, it's still important to ensure adequate protection during transport to prevent any potential damage to the telescope.

With suitable eyepieces and conditions, this telescope offers clear, close-up views of the Moon, Saturn's rings, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune.

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Celestron Astro Fi 102
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLightweight, but tripod could be sturdier.★★★
PerformanceNice automatic motorized mount.★★★★
FuncionalityWorks well with SkyPortal app.★★★★

Best budget option

Best for small budgets: The LT 114AZ is great for magnifying the moon and planets

Specifications

Optical design: Newtonian reflector
Mount type: Manual Alt-azimuth
Aperture: 4.5-inch / 114 mm
Focal length: 1000 mm
Highest useful magnification: 269x
Supplied eyepieces: 25 mm (40x) and 10 mm (100x)
Weight: 6.6 lbs / 2.99 kg

Reasons to buy

+
High magnification for the moon and planets
+
Affordable price point
+
StarSense app to aid alignment

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks precision
-
Chromatic aberration around bright objects
-
Images lack the clarity of more expensive models
Buy it if

✅ You're a beginner on a budget: this telescope offers an affordable way to start viewing the planets.

✅ You like using an app: the StarSense app makes it easy to operate this telescope and it even comes with a built-in smartphone holder.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want precise optical clarity: this telescope does suffer from some chromatic aberration on bright objects

❌ You want to view deep-sky objects: while it's good for viewing the planets, this telescope can't offer a proper view of deep-sky objects.

The bottom line

🔎 Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ: this is a good entry-level telescope for seeing the planets, but the optics won't allow you to see further objects like galaxies. ★★★

During our Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ review, we established that this telescope was perfect for viewing the moon and planets as it's designed to give a high magnification of bright objects.

However, as it's a more affordable option than others, Celestron had to make some compromises on image quality. You may notice some chromatic aberration (also known as color fringing) around the edges when you observe bright objects or that the colors aren't as accurate as the ones observed with more premium models.

This telescope comes with a Barlow lens, which means you can use it to get beautiful views of celestial objects such as Saturn, Jupiter or the moon. However, it doesn't capture enough light to enable you to see objects deep in space.

We loved the StarSense app, which makes aligning your telescope quick and easy; if you're a beginner, this is an important factor to consider. As the telescope functions as a 'push to' scope, the mount doesn't automatically find the target you're after (like it would a GoTo scope). Instead, you have to use arrows on your phone screen to guide you to the correct position. You'll want to adjust the telescope using the instructions on your screen until a bullseye appears to let you know your target is centered in your field of view. This gets a bit fiddly as there are no slow-motion controls, so you may have to practice to achieve precise adjustments effectively.

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Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 114AZ
AttributesNotesRating
DesignUseful phone dock.★★★
PerformanceOptics limited to planets.★★★
FunctionalityStarSense app alignment works well.★★★

Best telescopes for seeing planets 2024: Frequently Asked Questions

Which telescope is best for viewing planets: Refractors or reflectors?

The answer to this will depend on personal preference; we'd recommend trying both types out and seeing which one you like best.

If you're on a budget, then you may want to consider opting for a smaller refractor telescope over a larger reflector model with a similar price tag as the secondary mirrors and struts in Newtonian reflectors risk distorting the incoming light and reducing image contrast. 

It's usually considered that larger refractor telescopes are the gold standard for skywatching, but they're generally big, heavy and very expensive too. A compound telescope like a Maksutov-Cassegrain or Schmidt-Cassegrain can be a good compromise. They provide great image quality, but tend to be more compact and affordable than refractor telescopes. 

What telescope eyepiece do I need to view planets?

When you're looking for a telescope specifically to look at planets, there are other optical accessories you'll want to consider buying too. 

For example, eyepieces with greater magnification will be beneficial to get clearer views of planets, which are distant objects in the night sky. So if you're looking to observe planets, choose an eyepiece with medium to high magnification.

Barlow lenses can also help you in that department, as they can attain magnifications between 120-250x depending on the limit of your telescope. 

What telescope do I need to see Saturn's rings?

The answer to this depends on which telescope and eyepiece combination you opt for. Both of these have a focal length, but eyepieces also have an apparent field of view, which, used alongside focal lengths, can help you determine your telescope's true field of view. 

The basic formula to calculate which telescope or eyepiece you need to see Saturn's rings is as follows: 

Telescope focal length / eyepiece focal length = Magnification

Apparent field of view / Magnification = True field of view

You can then compare the true field of view of the combination against the size of any object you wish to observe, such as Saturn's rings or Jupiter's red spot to see how well you'll be able to view it. 

It's important to remember, though, that surface brightness and atmospheric conditions, as well as weather, will ultimately decide how well you can view any night sky object, including planets.

How we test the best telescopes for seeing planets

At Space.com, we are confident that our recommendations for the best telescopes are honest, reliable, and up-to-date. We pride ourselves on putting every telescope through a rigorous review process that tests each instrument thoroughly. Our expert staff and knowledgeable freelance contributors carefully evaluate each telescope to ensure that our reviews are fair, unbiased, and based on real-life experience.

During the review process, we consider several aspects, such as the construction and design of the telescope, its performance in the field, and its function as an optical instrument. We also take into account the intended use, class, and price of each telescope to ensure that we compare apples to apples.

We evaluate how easy it is to set up each telescope, whether computerized or motorized mounts are reliable and quiet and whether the telescope comes with appropriate accessories like eyepieces and tripods. If we think a particular telescope would benefit from other kit to make the most of it, we'll suggest it. This gives you the best experience possible. At Space.com, we maintain complete editorial independence to ensure that our buying guides and reviews are reliable, transparent, and unbiased. We are confident that our buying advice on telescopes is the best in the market, so you can make informed decisions about purchasing an instrument or not.

Telescope Glossary

Aperture: Diameter of the primary mirror or lens, which allows a telescope to collect light.
Field of view: Area of sky visible through the eyepiece.
Focal length: A telescope's tube length. Short focal lengths offer a wide field of view and a small image.
Focal ratio: Also known as the telescope's speed. Small focal ratios provide lower magnifications, wide field of view and a brighter image.
Magnification: Relationship between the telescope's optical system and the eyepiece. 

Unlike the deep sky, which remains almost unchanged throughout our lives, the planets constantly bring us new and sometimes surprising reasons to look again. They're easy to find and inspiring to take in — real worlds that our descendants or even we may visit one day. 

Any telescope can make them look impressive, but a well-tuned high-contrast instrument is what is needed to really do them justice, and you'll be thankful to have one to hand when something special occurs, like the arrival of an incredible gas giant storm, or a night of exceptionally steady seeing that invites you to max out the power. If you plan to take your own astrophotos, it's well worth considering a telescope mount with tracking capability, altazimuth or equatorial — both are suitable for short exposures. At such long focal lengths, the Earth's rotation quickly moves things out of the field of view, and dedicated planetary imaging cameras have small sensors. Regardless of which telescope you choose, you're in for an exciting new hobby as a Solar System explorer. Enjoy the magnificent highlights of our celestial neighborhood.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Tom Kerss
Contributing Writer

Tom Kerss is an astronomer and the author of numerous best-selling books about the night sky for both adults and children, including Northern Lights, Diamonds Everywhere and the Starry Stories Series. He shares his passion for the stars with people all over the world, delivering courses, podcasts and media interviews. Having worked in Hawaii, Chile, Namibia, Iceland and Norway, Tom loves nothing more than to seek out the darkest and most beautiful skies on Earth, escaping his light-polluted home of London. He has a background in astrophysics and formerly worked at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

With contributions from