Telescopes

There are few pursuits as rewarding and as enthralling as amateur astronomy. For a very reasonable cost you can open up the universe to yourself and your family. Telescopes of excellent quality can be had for very reasonable cost and these telescopes can offer you a lifetime of wonderful night sky experiences. A telescope is more than just a toy to look at stars with. It is a tool to experiencing the wonders of the earth and the universe.

( Edmund Scientifics April Special): Get 12% off all orders over $100 or more at Edmund Scientific use coupon code spring12 at checkout to save. Coupon does not apply to Telescopes, GPS or Cameras and is valid April 1st through April 30th.

New Guide: A Guide to Buying a Dobsonian Telescope - For the price vs performance you cannot beat a dobsonian.

New Guide: (Jan 12) How to enjoy astronomy without a telescope- You don't need a telescope to really enjoy the night sky. There are lots of things to see and do. Here is a guide that will help you enjoy astronomy

New Article (Dec 14) Telescopes are not just for nerds!

New Article (Dec 12): Don't buy that 1,000 Power telescope! Here's why - A guide to understanding magnification and telescopes

The technology of computers and telescopes has also very much changed over the past decade or so in that you can purchase a telescope with software that has thousands of night sky objects already programmed in so at the touch of a button it will automatically go to the objects.

About the prices and makers of telescopes: You can spend anywhere from $100 Dollars to several thousands. You can in fact spend well over ten thousand dollars on fine astronomical instruments and even build an observatory right in your back yard. I have an essay here on this site that will help you buy the right telescope for your needs and your budget.

There are lots of telescopes to choose from and if you want to know more about telescopes and how to make the purchase that is right for you I have a great tutorial on the subject. There are also lots of great books on astronomy and stargazing for you to learn with. So browse through the links I have in the left hand column and check out some of the wonderful world of astronomy and telescopes.

Just a beginner?

No worries. I have lots of tutorials and interesting information that will take you through the first steps of stargazing and astronomy from how to find constellations and objects in the night sky to how to pick out the telescope that will fit your needs, your future goals, and your budget.

More Advanced?

I also have lots of great stuff coming including how to build your own telescope.

Wondering about a first telescope to get? Looking for a great beginners telescope with superb optics and performance yet is compact and easy to use? Consider the Edmund Scientific Astroscan. I have used this scope and it's superb. Read my thoughts and recommendations on this telescope

The Edmund Scientific Astroscan telescope has been a best selling introductory telescope for over 25 years now. This is a uniquely designed telescope that is just so easy to use and so remarkably powerful for an amazing price. The Astroscan at Edmund Scientific

Too Cold Outside? You can bring the night sky into your home

Home Planetarium

Discovery Exclusive Ultimate Star Childrens Planetarium

View the night sky as it would appear anywhere in the world with this motorized indoor planetarium. Project 88 constellations. 12 celestial objects, including 8 planets, Pluto and its moon, Charon. Uses super bright bulbs to project over 600 stars. Searchable database with over 600 star facts and myths. Interactive talking computer and backlit navigational screen. Features five modes for a variety of astronomy tours and settings. Features a one-hour timer so you can fall asleep under the stars. Includes AC power adaptor and 24-page, full color instruction manual. This accurate, computer-aided, motorized planetarium transforms an ordinary room into a truly stellar display.

Passionate about Telescopes

I want to applaud your interest in astronomy and telescopes. Making and using telescopes has been a passion of mine for a very long time. This is an old picture of me with the first telescope I made. I thoroughly enjoy the hobby and I know that you will enjoy it too. It will bring a lot of enrichment to your life as it has done with mine.

You don't know much about telescopes but want to buy your first one? Here is my recommendation

Make and use your own telescope for less than twenty bucks with this easy kit

Astronomy with Binoculars a bit about what to know

The biggest challenge to telescope users is overcome with Meade Telescopes