Passing interest in Astronomy ... should I invest in a telescope?

[TheDreamStone]

Hi everyone ,

How can I know whether I'd enjoy this hobby? How did you get into it or know that you'd enjoy it?

Thanks

Q

[Jamie]

At this point i would hold off buying any optical equipment.

If you have an astro society handy i would join up and try using some of their scopes to give you an idea of what to expect.

You would also be wise to have a serious think as to what area of astronomy would hold your interest. This would help in choosing (if any) the right type of scope in the future.

The low cost way to get started in this hobby is to get your self a pair of binos. That way if your interest is short lived you won't have shelled out a fortune and they will be more or less easy to re-sell....

[brantuk]

Hi DreamStone. I had similar thoughts 3yrs ago when I started. So I got a pair of 15x70 astro binocs from David Hinds, mounted them on a camera tripod I had laying around, and bought Sky at Night magazine for 3 mths. I then followed the viewing suggestions for binocs and the monthly sky guide in the center pages. I soon became totally absorbed but without a massive expenditure. 10x50 binocs would do just as well incidentally. If you go that route look for Bak-4 fully coated prism optics. Cheers!

[vegas]

Human nature is to be curious. When we look up at the stars and begin thinking of the wonder that makes up our solar system, galaxy and universe we begin wanting to see more and more.

The general advice I am sure you will get is to buy a set of binoculars (10x50) to get the beginning of some great views of the heavens.

I personally skipped this as I was given my father's old 70mm refractor after he died, I then upgraded when I knew that the views of the moon and the more popular sights had dragged in my interest.

When you begin looking into equipment it can be very daunting, as there are so so so many different options. The thing to remember is that there is not one scope that will fulfill all your long-term needs.

You need to think about what you hope to see, and what your interests are, i.e. planets/the moon or deep space.

There are scopes that cover both nicely, so dont worry too much if you want to explore both.

The other options you need to consider is mounts, as they again vary and fulfill different needs.

As you can see there are alot of different decisions to make before even getting out there to see anything, which is why binoculars are often the first thing suggested to see if your interest is just fleeting or more serious.

I would spend some time browsing these boards and reading the threads regarding scopes. In the mean time a decent set of binos will be relatively cheap, so that you can consider your options while still getting out and doing some viewing.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll love it.

[pvaz]

Some old binos you may have around and a star wheel will keep you going for a couple of months while you learn the constellations witch are the guides to locate other stuff later on.

That's the advice I toke at the beginning. Soon I found I wanted to see things and the binos didn't satisfy my needs so I ordered an 8" Dobsodian (dob) after 3 weeks. I still use knowledge I gained from using binos to locate objects with the scope and read star charts, so it was time well spent.

If you want to take the plunge buy something simple to use so you can learn the sky and something from a known brand. In case you come to the conclusion it's not your thing you can get at least 60% of your money back selling 2nd hand.

[TheDreamStone]

Thanks everyone. The information has helped a lot ... although to be honest when i read:

"The low cost way to get started in this hobby is to get your self a pair of binos"

I couldnt at first understand why i should buy a dinosaur or how i could go about buying a it

[vegas]

can i just add that Paulo makes a very good point about make. If you are tempted to spend some cash and get a scope, avoid the telescopes in department stores or other shops that dont specialise in astronomy gear.

At this time of year, everything from toys r us, to WHSmith, to John Lewis have scopes, from seemingly reputable companies, such as the National geographic. Now while such institutions make very good periodicals and television programmes, they know diddly squat about telescopes, so avoid them.

Basically any scope that bangs on about Magnification Power, I would avoid.

Instead, click the link at the top of this page for First Light Optics (FLO for short) and have a browse to familiarise yourself with some of the brands and styles of scopes that anyone who is serious and wants good images of the heavens buy.

It can be a very expensive hobby, but you can also get some great equipment with a modest budget.

[pvaz]

It can be a very expensive hobby, but you can also get some great equipment with a modest budget.

Yep, in the 100£ to 250£ range there are plenty of telescope choices and design types to choose from to adjust to your needs and tastes.

Compared to most hobbies, and as long as you don't want to get into astro photography (aka black hole for money), it can be a cheap hobby.

[yeti monster]

I struck very lucky when I located a 114mm Celestron reflector, not 6 miles from home, on fleabay for 30 quid. The previous owner was very disappointed with the scope as it wasn't collimated. I took one look down the focusser and spotted that the secondary was miles out. 30 mins after getting it home all was in order and first light was reflected by Jupiter. The arrival of a couple of plossls has made things even better.........

So, what I'm saying is, even as a passing/minor interest, reasonable kit doesn't need to be wallet busting.

[russ]

The idea of going to a local club is a very good one. All three clubs in my area hold open nights, which means you don't have to join or mingle. Just pop along on a public open night (perhaps pay a £) and take a look through the scopes available.

All the clubs will be going into Mars overdrive after Christmas and if the moon is around at the same time, i think you will be hooked.

[glowjet]

DreamStone, try downloading the free program Stellarium then if you have reasonably clear skies, see how far you get just using your eyes, finding the constellations, bright stars and planets, it does not cost anything, but may give you an inkling as to why so many people stare heavenward to this awe inspiring vista. I think you will know by then whether it is for you.

John.

[Wobbly Bob]

I saw a bright red object out of my window one night and wanted to know what it was. Bought an ETX90 a couple of months later (a lot of money in those days) anyway the red object (Mars) had gone but 1st light was Saturn POW I was hooked.

If you dont have a lot of cash, binoculars and a map of the sky are a good way to start. You will be surprised at what you can sse with a pair of BINS, in fact some objects (doube cluster and the seven sisters) are best seen with bins.

If you are determined to buy a scope, DO NOT be swayed by the MAGNIFICATION word, Appature is the key, the main aim in viewing the faint oblects is collecting as much light as possible.

[kniclander]

bins is ok but some of the the really cool things - moon, mars, jupiter, saturn don't look much in bins. if you only want to spend a minimal amount then bins is better than nothing but if you're willing to spend £100 plus on bins you start getting into entry level (non-department store) scope territory like a small dob or a small refractor on an alt-az mount. Just mho.

[dark knight]

Firstly welcome to SGL.

I think the fact you have joined this forum very encouraging, it is the best start you could have possibly made. Astronomy is a bit like fishing,,it can be very frustrating at times yet so rewarding when everything comes together.

Here are some simple rules

1) Never rush into a purchase no matter how tempting.

2) Be realistic. You will not see the same views as the Hubble images which seem to adorn the packaging of cheap telescopes.

3)Research the various aspects/specialities of astronomy before deciding which route to take.

4) Join a local group and participate as much as possible.

5) Ask loads of questions here on the forum,,this can save you a small fortune in inappropriate purchases.

6)Be patient

7)A £15 pair of 10x50 binos is a great start, these never get wasted.

8)Bear in mind personal opinions vary, so try to get a consensus.

9)Be prepared,,nothing makes you want to give up more than when you are cold.

10)For ease of use, portability, simplicity and learning the sky a Dobsonian takes some beating. Assess where you will be using the telescope, will power be a factor etc, etc.

11) If after all the above you think astronomy is for you, remember aperture rules but equally the telescope mount is just as important if not more so imho.

12) Keep it fun and attend the amazing star parties on offer from time to time. This was what got my wife hooked,, not me spending the previous 2 years stood in the back garden at night looking up.

You have access to a wealth of experience right here on the forum, the advice is freely given and impartial. Enjoy the forum

[Dazraz]

Hi i am a nebie to this hobbie and was surprised how much you can actually see with binoculars - sometimes i dont even use my telescope i just use my binoculars ....

Godd luck with your decision

[TheDreamStone]

A lot of helpful tips. Thanks