Essential reading for those who are thinking about getting into Astronomy !

[shepsboss]

Thanks. I recognised myself, hardly able to wait to go out and buy the "best" telescope I can afford, only research has stopped me (confused). I will now dig out the binos and take a look.

[WayBig]

I've just started reading "A Short History Of Everything" by Bill Bryson. Its by no means essential reading but it makes learning the basics of the universe fun.

An excellent book, i've read it twice now, I'm about due a third read!

[yorks]

Excellent article. I, like many other beginners probably have, started immediately looking at telescopes. I know its a mistake, but I still look

[IXTL]

A great read, thanks for posting it.

[Sharpiejas]

Great advice for a newbie like me, i think i might just go and buy some cheap binoculars first.

[Ewok]

Thankyou John. This is great thread for people like me who are still trying to get to grips with things. So much to learn , but who's in a rush.

[phw26]

A very good find that John (Jahmanson)!

Yes, it would be an idea to point ALL newcomers to this guide, as the most common question from them seems to be "which telescope should I buy?"

We have all been there haven't we! We can see that the night sky looks very interesting - even with the naked eye, so the very next thing we want to do is rush out and buy the biggest and most sophisticated scope we can afford, giving no consideration to any other aspect of the hobby (i.e. will the scope be easy to use, portable, or even suitable for me in particular!).

The final result can mean spending a huge amount of money on an instrumant which is hardly ever used, and ends up on e-bay!

So to repeat - the guide you found is excellent John.

Regards,

philsail1

philsail

Thanks for that, very interesting

[Jetblakk]

Thanks John after reading and trailing internet for four weeks because I wasn't shore witch scope to go for and no clubs on my doorstep to ask for help .after reading thread Now I no what to do upgrade my old measly 7 x 40 binoculars for some new ones

cheers again:headbang:

[Li'l Lozzy]

Just want to say thanks to all that put a link to books and articles! Gotta go buy them now and get reading!

[AwayWithTheStars]

excellent article, thanks for posting

[meloncap78]

Excellent read. I think I may print this and keep it handy whenever I am out under the sky as a reminder. I have recently taken out a few books and delved into them with quite a new found interest. My only concern is that I did buy the ETX-125PE but only after a bit of research. I wonder if it still could have been a hasty move.

[WayneR]

I wonder if it still could have been a hasty move.

I can empathise there meloncap! With such a huge range to choose from, it was always going to be a difficult choice But now that you've made it, I wouldn't waste time worrying, just enjoy observing for now .

(Spend more time contemplating when/if you upgrade to a bigger/better 'scope!)

[MrsR]

Great read, thanks.

[BrianH]

Excellent article, and loved the rest of the site one level up from the article page.

[bigglesdad]

Excellent stuff. Thanks a lot.

[Nikki82]

this was a really useful link thank you so much

[stardad]

That's a superb read. Even though the scope cane along we still have binoculars to learning the sky with. That will help identify objects and our way around the sky's as we get more competent with our equipment.

As a yacht master I'm used to charts so I like the analagy. Sailor of the sky

[Hobbes]

Great read and very reassuring. Due to financial constraints I have been prevented from rushing off and buying a scope which has worked out for the best. I get out there with my Bino's and its amazing how much you can spot and how satisfying it is.

[Lana]

Thanks for pointing me to this post I will read it as soon as possible as eveyone has very positive comments! :-)

[Orion_the_Hunter]

The public library is the beginner's most important astronomical tool.

So true!

[Craigfunkulus]

And this is exactly where I will start my telescope adventure.

Thanks for the link!

[PatriotCowboy]

Excellent article! Thank you for the link, as with many other beginners here have attested to, this saved me the frustration of rushing out to buy a scope!

Keep the good info coming ya'll:headbang:

[russ.will]

Thanks for pointing out another fine resource. It hasn't changed my mind (formed by the advice of SGL contributors), but as ever, it's nice to see the advice confirmed and expectations limited to within reason.

Russell

Edited April 26, 2011 by russ.will

[ismangil]

I've recently come across this piece on the web written by Alan MacRobert from the well known and respected astronomy magazine Sky & Telescope. It is well worth a read if you are thinking of getting into the hobby - ideally before you leap in and buy a telescope :

http://www.wwnorton.com/college/astronomy/astro21/sandt/startright.html

This is a real gem of an article. I have followed this to the letter. I am now at no 6 and determined not to jump to no 7 until I know what I want out of a scope.

Edited April 27, 2011 by ismangil
typo

[rigione68]

great article, was going to run out an buy a scope with my very limited knowledge, now realise best to put some work in first, need to learn a lot more, gona hunt for some beginners guides