(Posted 4 October 2016) Given everyone’s mind is starting to turn to Christmas presents and buying a telescope, I am sharing an email response I just sent off about how to get started in astronomy for $200 – $400.
Dear XXXXXX,
Good to hear from you.
A few suggestions. Firstly if you have a ‘smart phone’/tablet, purchase a decent astronomy app. I use and highly recommend Sky Safari. You can’t beat being able to pull out your electronic device and easily work out what you are looking at in the sky. It will also come in handy when you do own a telescope, as you can zoom in to match what you are seeing in a telescope.
Secondly, if you have not spent much time looking through a telescope, don’t buy one straight away. Go along to your local astronomical society and look though their telescopes on one of their public viewing events. They usually also have loan telescopes that members can borrow for a very reasonable amount.
The reason for doing the second step is to help you decide if you actually like looking though a telescope and have the patience to do so. Astronomy is one of those hobbies where there is a lot to learn. The more you know, the more you will appreciate what you are seeing though a telescope. Also, you are unfortunately going to discover that a small telescope can only show you a limited range of things that look impressive (for instance the craters on the Moon and the rings of Saturn can be seen through a small telescope and look great). Most other things are faint and fuzzy. Borrowing a telescope though your local astronomical society is a great way to be able to borrow a bigger telescope that is outside your budget.
Thirdly, buy your telescope from an telescope specialist. Within the approximate budget you have specified ($200 – $400), I would recommend either a six inch Dobsonian telescope or a 90 mm refractor telescope. Note that it is very important to get one with a stable mount. A wobbly mount ruins the view from even a great telescope.
Finally, don’t forget to keep checking my website for things happening in the sky. Most people miss seeing astronomical events simple because they don’t know they are going to happen.
Good luck and clear skies.
Regards,
Paul Floyd.
> Hi Paul
>
> I have been reading your website and really keen to introduce myself and
> children to astronomy. We live out at XXXXXXX on acreage and have a
> great view of the night skies from our property.
>
> I am just wondering if you would have any recommendations as to what type
> of telescope we should consider as an introduction. There are so many to
> choose from ranging in various prices. Is there are particular beginners
> scope that is easy to use and relatively affordable. ($200 – $400 range?)
>
> Also can we go somewhere on the coast to learn more?
>
> Kind regards XXXXXXXX
