Does anyone know anything about telescopes. I would like to get one for the family, my son is interested in watching the sky. I have seen one for sale but the description doesn't mean anything to me - it says that it is 402 power magnification, aluminium tripod, 2 eye pieces and 60mm objective lens. Does this sound like a decent one?

-- Maryanne (Australia) (maryanoel@bigpond.com), December 01, 2001

Answers

Maryanne, not really. It ought to be OK for looking at the moon, but it won't be much good for looking at any of the planets - OK, some, but not much detail. 60 mm is scarcely more than two inches - that's a might skinny tube, and if it's that tiny then I'd guess they've probably "economised" (cut corners) on the lenses as well, and you'd be likely to get "chromatic aberration" (read rainbow fringes blurring the image) because they can't bring all those colours into focus at the same plane. Tasco, most likely? Some Tasco stuff is OK, but you get what you pay for, and if you don't pay much you don't get much, even from a "name brand". For astronomical purposes I believe that you're better getting a reflector (mirror) rather than a refractor (lenses) - less trouble with chromatic aberration, which happens when light goes through lenses. If you can't do that, you're better off buying an inexpensive set of binoculars (which will still let him see the moon pretty well), and holding the rest of what you can afford in trust for him until he can pony up the rest for a moderate-quality reflector.

Check out http://www.yorkoptical.com.au/home.html . They're reputable, knowledgable, and well-priced. Not cheap, because they don't do low quality, but not overpriced when you consider the quality. They really know what they're talking about - I'm just waffling.

The web site is still a bit raw, but click on "York Optical Products", then "Telescopes".

-- Don Armstrong (from Australia) (darmst@yahoo.com.au), December 01, 2001.

Don is correct,,I wa an amuture astromer for awhile,,, that telescope would be a decent starter for a kid,, you'd get a veiw of the moon,, space station when it comes over,, at times some planets,, but for a better veiw,, 100mm at least,, and make sure it comes with filters,, even a full moon came burn your eyes thru a telescope

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), December 01, 2001.

Check out the pawn shops. You can get really good stuff sometimes really cheap. Just be careful and check it out real goo.

-- ruby (mcfays @aol.com), December 01, 2001.

I was just recently discussing the eventual purchase of a goodish telescope with a friend of mine who's done some research on it. One observation he made was that there was a large price gap between the better low-end and the lower high-end. He recommended that we go with a $300-$400ish telescope and that it would would accommodate our jr scientist tendencies. And we definitely want to see more than the moon. Sorry I don't know a specific outfit to recommend.

-- witness (witness@hotmail.com), December 01, 2001.

I would suggest purchasing a magazine or two about astronomy. They all contain articles describing telescopes. These articles usually tell what telescope is best for what. Some of them from time to time run comparison charts on telescopes.

These magazines also have ads by telescope companies. You could write or call them and they would probably be glad to explain things to you since they assume they may make a sale. The web sites of telescope manufacturers also help you make an informed purchase.

I don't know if American magazines are available to you, but my two favorites are Astronomy and Sky & Telescope The website of Sky and Telescope is : www.skypub.com The web site for Astronomy Magazine is: www.astronomy.com

Just something else those interested in astronomy may find interesting. Astronomy Picture of the Day this can be found at: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html Enjoy.

Talk to you later

-- Bob in WI (bjwick@hotmail.com), December 01, 2001.

I have constructed many telescopes over the years, the last one being an 18 inch Newtonian that weighs over 1,000 lbs. My favorite instrument... 7 x 50 binoculars. You use both eyes, and can carry them anywhere. Combine your binocular purchase with a subscription to Sky and Telescope magazine.

-- Chris (powderslider@yahoo.com), December 02, 2001.

Aperture and dark skies...the greater the aperture and the darker the skies at night the more you see but be warned...if you are in an area with light pollution, your're aperture will just increase this light and diminish your viewing...

I went from a 4.5" telescope to an 8" telescope, the views were tremendous and wonderfull here in the dark countryside. I will soon be upgrading to a 10" telescope, which will improve my viewing even more of faint nebulas.

David

-- David (CNY) (sundance@midtel.net), December 03, 2001.