Traceyh

13 hours ago, PEMS said:

As you give Northumberland as a location is Keilder close enough to you as I believe there is some sort of observatory and public interaction there.

Likely a good idea to pay them, assuming there is, a visit.

Scopes are in basically 3 varieties and each has it's plus points and it's minus points. Easiest is I guess a smallish wide field refractor. Something around f/8 to minimise the chromatic aberration that is present.

I think Bresser or ES sell one that is 80mm aperture and 640mm focal length. There are others that are 90mm aperture and 900mm focal length. Would suggest that you have a look and if possible a try of one or two before anything. Also keep in mind that almost immediatly after the scope you will want a couple of eyepieces. And 2 plossls will come to around £60-£70.

Also there is this: http://www.astronomyclubs.co.uk/Clubs/Counties.aspx

It only lists 2 clubs in Northumberland, and I would expect one of those to be the Keilder one. But if possible have a look and don't rush it.

Yes live very near. Will drive up and take a look. Good idea

21 hours ago, ollypenrice said:

The Dobsonian telescope will be by far your best bet at this price. Optically these are classic Newtonian reflectors but the mounting is simple, inexpensive and both stable and intuitive to use. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

OK, this is £19 over budget but it's a grand tradition on SGL to regard stated budgets as negotiable!!! 

You'll also need maps of the sky to use the scope productively. Stellarium is a free planetarium software which would allow you print paper charts for an observing session. Some take PCs outside, dimmed with a sheet of red transparent plastic but I prefer to keep my dark adaptation by using paper and a red torch.

Olly

Thank you Olly.  I'm going with your suggestion as you have a very good reputation on  here.  Thank you for taking the time to assist.  That goes to all who replied also.   

17 hours ago, domstar said:

Nobody here would advise you to buy that telescope Celestron PS1000 . The only consensus here is to avoid telescopes like that (Bird-Jones design) a Newtonian where the focal length (1000mm) is longer than the tube itself. Any scope from a telescope retailer (like FLO) will be decent. Some people prefer refractors but nearly everyone recommends something like the first suggestion here. Look again at the first poster and his reputation count. If you aren't going to observe on a cramped balcony, that could well be the one for you. 

Good luck and welcome to a great hobby.

 

Thank you very much. You made things sound less complex. Your explanations were really clear.  

Thank you all so much you have been very helpful. I don't feel as list now.  This us a great forum so pleased I found you.  Have a great Christmas one and all 

57 minutes ago, ollypenrice said:

The Dobsonian telescope will be by far your best bet at this price. Optically these are classic Newtonian reflectors but the mounting is simple, inexpensive and both stable and intuitive to use. 

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/dobsonians/skywatcher-skyliner-150p-dobsonian.html

OK, this is £19 over budget but it's a grand tradition on SGL to regard stated budgets as negotiable!!! 

You'll also need maps of the sky to use the scope productively. Stellarium is a free planetarium software which would allow you print paper charts for an observing session. Some take PCs outside, dimmed with a sheet of red transparent plastic but I prefer to keep my dark adaptation by using paper and a red torch.

Olly

I had seen a one in Jessops. It's the Celeston PS1000.  Is this any good as an entry level. Some of comments I've had is like double Dutch to me ...very confusing sorry 

Hi all.  I'm looking to get my first Telescope. I live in a remote place so clear sky us a given.  What do you recommend. Looking to spend up to £200.  UK based. Thank you