One of the most astounding innovations in telescope technology has been the addition of computer interfaces, bringing a huge advancement to the world of reflector and refractor telescopes. Computerized telescopes bring the user directly to virtually any object in the sky in seconds. Companies such as Bushnell, Meade, and Galileo have incorporated this technology into their scopes. Sometimes referred to as Go To telescopes, these instruments are attracting many newcomers and veterans to this new window to the galaxy. Telescopes that are assisted by computers have been around for many years as a professional astronomer’s tool. In an intermediate or novice setting, they have replaced years of studying constellations and index stars with a few sessions of learning a detailed instrument. The hobby of astronomy has now been opened to many interested fans that were previously intimidated by the vast number of bodies in the sky. Now anyone can take their telescope and amateur astronomy to a whole new level. Telescopes can have computerized aids to navigation or “Go To” type interfaces. When a computer is used as a navigation aid, the user is only assisted in locating the desired object. Go To telescopes are usually fully automated and locking, theoretically moving by themselves. Within a Go To telescope, there are Closed and Open loop configurations. Closed loop installations allow manual adjustments of the optical tube to be monitored. The computer always knows the position whether the user or the program made a change. Open loop configurations cannot determine whether the telescope has been moved manually. Computerized telescopes help those that want to dive right into astronomy and view some celestial objects with out extended research. Stars can be tracked, automated, and monitored with the press of a button. Some telescopes sold at OpticsPlanet, such as the Celestron NexStar 130 Telescope, even have optional bundles packed with astronomy software and guides, Whether you choose a reflector or a refractor telescope, a Maksutov-Cassegrain or a Schmidt-Cassegrain, Opticsplanet.com has everything you need to make a great decision for your next telescope. For more information on how to choose the right telescope for you, take a look at our comprehensive how-to buying guide and FAQ. You can also check out best sellers list to see what other aspiring astronomers have purchased.