My focal ratio is F12. Can I see star clusters and Messier objects? In addition to planets, I don’t know what potential it has. Can you help me explain?

The author did not give the specific model of the telescope, but judging from the pictures, the aperture is about 120-150mm, and it is equipped with an eq1 equatorial mount. A focal ratio of 12 means that the focal length is 1500-1800mm. Such a telescope is no longer considered a universal type.

Friends who are a little familiar with astronomy know that several star clusters can be observed with the naked eye, such as M45 (Pleiades), M7 (Fish), the Perseus Double Star Cluster, etc. Telescopes have stronger light-gathering power and resolution, so it is easy to capture these targets. Calculated based on the aperture of 120mm, the ultimate magnitude of the telescope is about 13th magnitude. With this focusing power, under good conditions, it is easy to find all 110 Messier objects. Of course, in addition to Messier objects, there are many bright NGC objects that are also suitable for observation. The Perseus Double Cluster mentioned earlier, the Hanger Star Cluster, etc. are all good candidate targets.

As for potential, it’s harder to say. It should be said that general consumption is the most important thing... If you are interested, you can replace your current eq1 equatorial mount with an electric one and try deep space photography. However, there is a small problem. If the tripod is modified in this way, it may be too much. Judging from the photos, it is estimated that the eq1 is not very stable when carrying such a large primary mirror.