Telescopes. Need A Little Info., Meade DS-114AT Reflecting. Anyone have it? Options

[Spirit MD-81]

I have had this telescope for about 3 years now, and I've been taking it outside every couple night when I feel like it or want to or have the time, or if it is clear. If anyone has a telescope, especially the type named, I want to know how to get a good image of a couple of planets. I have a 3X Barlow lense, never tried it out though. It is the Meade Electronic Telescope with an Autostar remote, which can find over 1500 objects in the sky. The things I want to see are the following:
Planets:
Venus
Jupiter
Saturn
Galaxies:
Whirlpool Galaxy
Andromeda
Nebulas:
Eagle Nebula
Hoarsehead Nebula
Little Ghost Nebula

And some star clusters. Maybe a few constellations. I have always had a nack for Astronomy. It is interseting to see what is outside our planet. So, I would like to know how much magnification I would need for looking at the following Planets, Galaxies, and Nebulas. If possible, make it for the MEADE DS-114AT REFLECTING TELESCOPE. I don't think it is in production anymore. And the moon... Been there seen that! The moon looks pretty cool.

[Spirit MD-81]

And what are the best times to stargaze with a telescope in South Jersey? NOT DURING THE DAY OR NIGHT! When are the best times to study during the YEAR?

[USAirways737]

And what are the best times to stargaze with a telescope in South Jersey?

Dude you so could have edited it and put that in there. My best suggestion about the star gazing when the sun is completely gone and all you see is stars

p.s. if you also look at a very bright star thats really hard on the eyes and is yellow A.K.A. if you havent figured out the sun you might be able to see it.
Jordan.

[talldude]

The best place to stargaze is far from city light, unfortuantley since you live on the east coast, finding a dark site will be difficult since it's very populated over there. Anyway yah what usair said, when its dark out, go stargaze, LOL.

About the telescope
Don't ever purchase a telescope advertising a magnification value, its a scam. Magnification means nothing to the amateur astronomer, its how much light you can squeeze into a tube what really matters. Example, a 8 inch reflector can collect more light than a 4 inch reflector. As for cost of a telescope, the more expensive the better. Seems to me you own a reflector telescope; in order to own a good quality telescope of that type the scope should cost no lower than $500.

About the objects you want to see
From your list of objects you want to see, I can tell you won't be able to view the Horsehead nebula. That sort of nebula is a called a dark nebula making it difficult to view. Only huge telescopes will be able to view it, however smaller telescopes (not too small) will be able to detect it using photographic film or CCD which is like a digital camera specially made for telescopes. All the other items you can easily see under good conditions.

Check these sites out for more info, I don't feel like writing all I know about astronomy which would take hours.
Astro forums
How to choose a telescope

[glnflwrs]

To see details of the planets you will need at least a 12" scope, better to have a 20".

See the comparisons of Jupiter and Saturn through a 20" and 30", as compared to a 6".

Also, check out the Obsession 30" telescope.

My gallery. . .

http://www.flightlevel350.com/forum/index....w_album&album=3