Re: OT: Telescopes

Rudabaga Duplex <rudabagaduplex@xxxxxxxxx > wrote:
> I have a crappy telescope. (500x tasco). Having more then a passing
> interest in Space I want to upgrade and not spend a fortune.

Terry,

Welcome to amateur astronomy! I've owned two serious telescopes, a 4"
apochromatic refractor by TeleVue and (currently) a 10" dobsonian
reflector by Discovery. I'd like to offer you some structured advice.
You'll find that this advice is fairly standard when you ask an
experienced stargazer, "What telescope should I buy?"

First piece of advice -- hook up with a local astronomy group, and go to
one of their star parties. These groups are all over the place. If
you need help locating one, let me know (either here, or via email)
where you live and I'll help locate yours.

Second piece of advice -- the best first telescope is a pair of
binoculars. Seriously. Here's your initial shopping list:

1. A decently good pair of binocs. $100-$200
2. _Nightwatch_ by Terence Tickinson $20

Third piece of advice -- Don't rush in. Garages are full of impulse
buys sitting and gathering dust. Enjoy the sky with your binocs before
buying a telescope you might regret.

Fourth piece of advice -- Read up! There are a ton of beginner web
sites out there, and you can spend hours and hours reading up. Here are
a few to wet your beak:

San Jose Astronomy Association Beginner's Page
http://www.sjaa.net/beginner.html

Stellafane Beginner's Page
http://www.stellafane.com/beginners/beginners.html

Joe Roberts Beginner Tips
http://www.rocketroberts.com/astro/first.htm

Ed Ting's Advice - Good with lots of pictures
http://www.scopereviews.com/begin.html

Enjoy. Please feel free to shoot me emails if you have additional
questions. This can be a little overwhelming -- which is why it's
a good idea to start simple, with a binoculars and a couple books!

-Jason
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Matching Amateur Astronomers by Category of Experience to Telescopes?
    ... without seeking advice or even knowing where to seek ... beginner's telescope, except maybe its cost, if purchased new. ... and pointing the scope in that direction. ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Which Telescope?
    ... I'm looking for a little advice. ... It might also be worth finding your local astronomical society. ... local who can help you if you decide to buy a secondhand one. ... David Knisely's telescope FAQ although US ...
    (uk.sci.astronomy)
  • Re: Viewing Advice Required...
    ... > at the stars but is not sure what to buy. ... > The book recommends that if you cannot afford a decent telescope ... > then to go for a pair of binoculars rather than a cheap telescope as ... > Is there any advice on what to be looking out for, which make to buy, ...
    (uk.sci.astronomy)
  • Re: OT: Telescopes
    ... Hey Jason - great advice and info. ... Is making your own telescope still a viable option? ...
    (alt.smokers.pipes)
  • Re: Tom Back 1957 - 2007
    ... And I see that in addition to a kind of telescope which I might not ... After reviewing your original message more carefully, and my response to it, ... Back was well enough known in amateur astronomy that almost no one would be ... My sincerest apologies once again, and thanks as well to Greg Crinklaw for ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)