Comments on: Do you think a telescope is worth buying?

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:07:54 +0000

No, unless you really enjoy taking things out of boxes.

If you do decide to spend much money on one, make sure to have its main mirror tested first.

By: Geoff G

Geoff G — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:46:03 +0000

I must think so, since I’ve bought 25 of them over the past 51 years. For me, astronomy has mostly been a great relaxing hobby. I enjoy every night I’m out with my telescope, even after 51 years. Mind you, I can also enjoy myself with a binocular, or just my plain old eyeballs.

On the other hand, I see quite a few people who simply don’t have the patience for astronomy. They get frustrated when it’s cloudy, or when they can’t find something they’re looking for in the sky. Like most good things in life, you need to put some effort in to get the greatest rewards.

By: minuteblue

minuteblue — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:46:40 +0000

If you buy it used, spend at least $300, and aren’t expecting picture perfect images, then yes, it might be worth it.

I suggest you contact your local astronomical society and attend one of their star parties so you can get a chance to look through different telescopes.

By: 711Shane

711Shane — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:17:39 +0000

It all depends on what you want to see.
If you want to look at the planets in our solar system then buy yourself nothing less than a six inch reflector.You can see Jupiter and four of it’s largest moons and a lot more.If you want to see more than that, than you will have to buy a bigger one,but make sure it’s a reflector.They are more efficient.
If you want to follow the thing that you are viewing than buy one with a self programme follower on it.Otherwise it keeps going out of the scopes viewing circle because the planet is always moving.
Make sure that you buy a sun filter for viewing the sun.It’s great to see the sun flares.

By: Adam F

Adam F — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:51:19 +0000

Buy a good pair of binoculars (get ones with a stand )
they are great for comets and planets.

For everything else use Celestia (freeware telescope simulator program ) or the net.

By: nuscorpii223

nuscorpii223 — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:32:04 +0000

You need a telescope that’s powerful enough to show you the moon, planets as well as nebulae and galaxies. At the same time, it needs to be easy to use and transport, without breaking your back and the bank. A good starting point is a 6 or 8-inch Dobsonian, which has plenty of light gathering power and resolution to get you started, still be portable and be reasonably priced. These telescopes can be found for about 300 to 600 dollars on the market, depending on which brand, aperture and accessories they come with. Before buying a telescope, go to your local club, research telescopes online and try every one you can before buying one. That way you’ll buy your first telescope confident it will get you off on the right foot. Be aware you won’t see views like those of the Hubble Space Telescope or derived through long exposure photography. There is a lot of detail to be seen on the moon, Jupiter and Saturn. Bright galaxies, star clusters and nebulae will look spectacular from a site away from city lights and passing cars. The very faint objects will be fuzzy patches or blobs of light however, but often just seeing them is an accomplishment. Be aware most objects other than the moon and planets will not show much if any color, except for the very bright ones. Those will look bluish or greenish. If you want to go beyond naked eye and binocular stargazing, a telescope is warranted. Do your homework first and you’ll get one right for you.

By: Johnno

Johnno — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:36:11 +0000

If you’re uncertain, find out if there’s an astronomy club in your area that has stargazing gatherings, go to one of their meetings and ask a few different people if you can look through their telescopes.

It’s all about personal preferences, some people get tired of stargazing and drop it completely and sell their equipment. Others enjoy if for a lifetime. If you like astronomy then why not get a telescope, learn and experience some more. If you’re not sure if it’s your thing, try a public meeting.

By: Sanggre Amihan

Sanggre Amihan — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:18:53 +0000

If you like to study astronomy and observe planets, moons, and/or stars, you’ll really like it.

By: Vincent G

Vincent G — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:21:09 +0000

That depends on your priorities and budget. Will you be using all the money you’d spend of food for the telescope? Then you should eat and life.
Would you use money that you’d spend going to the movies, or buying video games? Then it is debatable, that depends where your priorities are.
If you live in a big city and do not have the means to go away from it from time to time, the light form the city will ruin your telescope view anyway. If you get a telescop and end up not using it, then perhaps you should not get it.
But then again, there are scores of things people get that they don’t really need, but crave nonetheless.

By: jordan

jordan — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:38:15 +0000

yes, if you are intersested in viewing outer space and looking at the moon