Images are upside down.....help!

hello all, i am new to this and to telescopes in general. i set up my telescope but all the images are upside down. how can i fix this? thanks for the help

Hi

All reflectors produce upside down images. This is normal and, in fact, many star maps are printed upside down to accommodate this feature. this is not an issue for astronomy. A special erecting prism designed for reflectors, such as the Konus 1048, ios needed if you want upright images. Standard erecting images do not work with reflectors.

All other telescopes - refractors, Maksutovs, Schmidt-Cassegrains - which use a diagonal, produce an upright, but reversed right to left image when used with the supplied diagonal. Images are upside down when used without the diagonal. (Note: reflectors cannot use diagonals.)

For some helpful articles which can be used with any telescope, see my artocles:

For the basics on how to setup and use your telescope, see my article
Telescope FAQs

For advice on how to select an observing site and more, see A Dozen Telescope Observing Tips For Beginners

Since telescope eyepieces are the most important accessory for any telescope, you may also wish to do more reading with my article, Ten Telescope Eyepiece Questions


I strongly recommend a local astronomy club. An astronomy club is the quickest way to learn both astronomy and telescopes and astronomers are almost universally willing to help a beginner. A basic book on telescopes and astronomy is also a good option. Try "Nightwatch" by Terence Dickinson, available at any large bookstore. Two excellent magazines, available in stores or the internet are Astronomy Magazine and Sky&Telescope.

thank you very much! i feel a little foolish, but being a novice to telescopes i did not know any better. your advice is greatly appreciated

Hi

You are very welcome. No need to feel foolish. Everyone is a beginner, at first. That's why this forum is here.